(Prayer information via OpenDoors)
There was an increase in attacks and threats against Christians in 2013. Islamist terrorist groups, influenced by the conflict in Syria, are increasing in number. One of their aims is to empty the country of Christians, and this situation is aggravated by the government’s total authority. According to a local source, every two or three days a Christian is killed, kidnapped or abused. As a minority, Christians are an easy target for kidnappers. Even in the relatively unrestricted, semi-autonomous Kurdish region, the security situation for Christians is deteriorating.
PRAY:
- For Muslim-background believers who often face opposition from their family and community.
- For wisdom for ex-pat Christians, who are being increasingly monitored by the authorities.
- For Open Doors workers supporting displaced Christians with trauma counseling, training and income generating projects.
Quick Facts About Iraq:
Leader: Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Main Religion: Islam
Population: 35.9 million (330,000 Christians)
Source of persecution: Islamic extremism
Source of persecution: Islamic extremism