18Iraq

Historical and Evangelical churches alike in Iraq face threats of violence, intolerance and discrimination, especially from Islamic extremists and non-Christian leaders. They also experience discrimination from government agencies. Iraqi Christians who convert from Islam face pressure from their families and society and risk violence and loss of rights.

The main pressure on Iraqi Christians comes from Iranian-backed Shia militias. Turkish and Iranian military operations in Iraqi Kurdistan, targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), have severely damaged Christian villages, driving many believers from their homes.

In April 2025, an attack was carried out by a supporter of the Islamic State group during an Assyrian New Year parade, injuring two Christians. In addition, Christian civilians in Iraq repeatedly report seizures of their property by influential political, economic and social groups. This is a problem the Iraqi government has struggled to resolve for more than two decades. Finally, three converts from Islam to Christianity were killed for their faith.

Meet Yasin

“In June, I woke up in the morning and found another threatening letter outside: ‘Stop what you’re doing, or we will kill you.’”

Yasin* (name changed), a believer from a Muslim background in Iraq.

What does Open Doors do to help?

In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors supports the Church in Iraq through presence ministry, training, Bible/Christian literature distribution, prayer support, crisis aid and socio-economic development.