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Man's hands holding a gospel tract
Those caught evangelizing could face blasphemy charges.
Photo: VOMC

A recent report from the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East highlights the desperate circumstances facing many Iraqi Christians – both those residing in their country as well as those living as refugees. Over the past two decades, 80 percent of the nation's Christians, which amounts to over one million people, have left the country and chosen not to return.

Iraqi Christians presently living as refugees are often barred from working because of their refugee status, and their children are severely lacking in educational opportunities. Additionally, believers remaining in the country are seriously affected by persecution from their fellow Iraqis, as well as those holding positions of governing authority.

In northern Iraq, the Kurdish people face bombing attacks as Turkish forces endeavour to suppress perceived nationalist interests in Kurdistan; yet another example of how Christians residing in a war-torn region are caught in the midst of the cross-fighting. In central and southern Iraq, Christians frequently face harassment and discrimination in their workplaces, universities and governmental institutions. Those suspected of conducting any means of evangelistic outreach to Muslims can be subjected to blasphemy charges.

To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Iraq, read previously posted reports, and/or view video documentaries addressing specific situations, go to our country report.

Pray that Iraqi believers will be so endued with God's presence in their lives that they will shine as 'lights of the world' (Matthew 5:14), whether living within their home country or elsewhere as refugees. May those presently facing persecution also find strength and comfort through the ministry of His Holy Spirit. Finally, pray that the offensive of Türkiye's armed forces (formerly known as Turkey) against the Kurds will subside, bringing peace to this war-torn region as well.

Current Ministry Project

By working with credible ministry partners, VOMC is providing persecuted Christian women sewing skills training so they can receive a sustainable source of income and thus adequately support their families. In addition, these women are able to seize the opportunities presented to them through their new businesses by serving as effective witnesses for Christ.

Project Fund: Women’s Ministry

Country Information

Population
39,650,145 (July 2021 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Arab (75-80), Kurdish (15-20), Turkoman, Assyrian, and other (5)

Religion (%)
Islam (95-98), Christianity (1), other (1-4)

Leader
President Barham Salih (2018)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system

Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law

Source: CIA World Factbook

Pray for Iraq

Pray for the protection of the remaining believers in Iraq during this time of upheaval and danger. May many churches and Christian relief organizations seize the opportunity to provide greatly needed assistance and ministry to the numerous suffering people of this war-torn nation. As God’s work of healing, provision and restoration takes place, pray that a stable democratic government will be established.

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Iraq News

  • Oppression of Iraqi Believers
    Man's hands holding a gospel tract
    Those caught evangelizing could face blasphemy charges.
    Photo: VOMC

    A recent report from the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East highlights the desperate circumstances facing many Iraqi Christians – both those residing in their country as well as those living as refu

    ...
  • Aid Workers Released
    Devastation from the war
    Some of the devastation
    from the conflict in Iraq.
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    On January 20th, four humanitarian aid workers from the French organization, SOS Chretiens d'Orient, went missing while in Baghdad. Details were limited, providing no information on those responsible nor the reasons behind

    ...
  • Four Foreign Aid Workers Missing
    Devastation in Iraq
    Some of the devastation from the conflict in Iraq.
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    On January 20th, four workers affiliated with the French organization, SOS Chretiens d'Orient, went missing while in Baghdad. Despite repeated attempts to contact them, no response has been received to date. At last report

    ...
  • Families Again Forced to Flee Hometown

    Hilla, Iraq

    Hundreds of Iraqi Christian families had recently returned to their hometown of Teleskuf, after being displaced for years due to attacks perpetrated by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group, only to be forced to flee their northern Iraq community all over again. These families hav

    ...