Christians in Iraq

Stefan De Groot, employee of the organization Open Doors, which assists Christians living under persecution, addressed the plight of Christians living in Iraq in a recent Journal Chretien article. De Groot, who regulary visits Iraq, stated that violence against Christians continues to worsen in the country. A series of Muslim extremist groups have matured and many are attacking small Christian businesses. While these radicals are interested in ridding the region of Christian believers, De Groot believes they are attacking business owners in particular in order to fund their continuing violence.

Since the early 1990s, the numbers of Christians living in Iraq has been cut in half. However, De Groot is hopeful that the Christians remaining in Iraq will stay strong. The fact that there was an increase in bible sales in Iraq in the past year is a cause for hope. Additionally, Open Doors plans to provide training to converts and earmark a significant amount of funds for socio-economic development that will benefit Christian communties.

For the full article, click here.