16Iraq

The Christian community continues to rebuild and restore as it heals from the horrors of the Islamic State group. Plus, Turkish and Iranian airstrikes continue in some parts of Iraq, impacting Christian communities.

The historic Christian communities in Iraq also face issues with persecution and discrimination, particularly from Islamic militant groups and non-Christian leaders. In places where they are the significant minority, Christians often don’t publicly display Christian symbols, as it can lead to harassment or mistreatment at checkpoints, universities, workplaces or governmental offices.

Anyone who converts from Islam will likely face intense pressure from their families and communities. They can be threatened, abused, lose family members, pressured or even killed. Conversion can have practical consequences as well, including loss of inheritance and lack of opportunity.

Meet Bishop Daniel

“I dream that [Iraq’s Christian youth] accomplish their dreams [and] that they will be more resilient so that they can work on [preserving] their existence… My big dream is that the youth will stay. We really need them in the future to lead our community into a better place.”

Bishop Daniel, a church leader in northern Iraq.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors’ local partners strengthen the Church in Iraq with training, trauma care, the delivery of Bibles and Christian books, livelihood projects and microloans, help to rebuild homes and churches, and crisis relief.