Iraq background:

There have been many large-scale waves of emigration from Iraq, beginning early in the regime of Saddam Hussein. An estimated two million Iraqis have fled the country in recent years, mostly to Jordan and Syria. In addition, another 2 million are still displaced within Iraq itself, including many Kurdish refugees. Roughly 40% of Iraq’s middle class is believed to have fled. Most are fleeing systematic persecution and have no desire to return.

The Church and Missions:

Various mission groups are involved but few publicise in any detail. There are an estimated 700 Kurdish evangelical believers. Numbers of Arab converts are few but there are housechurches in various cities. There are growing numbers of believers from within the ‘Christian’ (Assyrian, Chaldean) population.

There are some churches in the main cities but most have now gone underground. In Arab centres, opposition is high while there appears to be relatively more openness among Kurdish Muslims. Various humanitarian efforts are in place to assist with education, clean water and food as well as providing relief to refugees.

The Bible is fully available in Arabic, including on MP3. The Kurdish population of around 6 million do not have a complete Bible in any of their languages.

Serious persecution is taking place, including a sharp rise in attacks since 2006. The terror attacks come from both Shia and Sunni Muslims. Assyrian and Chaldean Christians are targets, churches are being burned and executions are taking place, including of some as young as 14. This leaves a dangerously small nucleus of Christians in the country.

Persecution Index

Every six months, Open Doors World Watch publishes an index which grades countries according to the levels of persecution religious believers, and of Christians especially.

2009 Grading for Iraq: 16th