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Iraq has experienced a troubled history since Bible times. When Saddam Hussein came to power in 1979, the people of Iraq suffered greater hardship and ongoing turmoil.

Religion: Muslim 96.85%, Christian 1.55%, Other 1.10%, and non-Religious 0.50%.

Ideological Influence: Country in transition with democratic and Islamic influence

Head of State: President Jalal Talabani

Persecution: After the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime, members of the underground church said there was new freedom to openly practice their Christian faith without fear of government persecution. Muslims are receptive to the gospel, and Christians say they expect a brief window of opportunity to evangelize Iraqis. Five churches were bombed by Islamic insurgents in August 2004, and thousands of Iraqi Christians—mostly from the traditional church—fled the country. Attacks on Christians and churches continued in 2005.

Missionary Opportunity: In spite of attacks, Iraqi Christians continue to distribute tons of Gospel literature supplied by VOM. House churches are growing and multiplying.

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Assist News Service Santa Ana, CA -- In recent days, Open Doors workers in Iraq have reported increased violence against Christians in the country as Ramadan and statements from Pope Benedict have ignited an explosive atmosphere. Several Christians have been murdered, others have been abused and kidnapped, and churches have been fired upon and bombed. A hand grenade was thrown at a priest’s car. Besides the bloody strife going on between Sunni and Shia Muslims, the recent violence appears to be directed at Christians, leaving several Christians dead in a few days. In Baghdad and Mosul, several churches have been attacked. On Wednesday, a group of men reportedly fired rockets on the Chaldean Church of the Holy Spirit in Mosul and detonated an explosive device outside the church door. AsiaNews reported that no one was hurt during the attacks. On Sunday morning, September 24, the Church of the Holy Spirit was fired upon by Muslims who wanted the local bishop to issue a condemnation of the pope’s speech. A young man wrote on the church doors, “If the pope does not apologize, we will bomb all churches, kill more Christians and steal their property and money,” an Open Doors’ contact reported. After this threat, some churches reportedly have written that they refuse to support the pope’s statements. Also on Sunday, a hand grenade was thrown at a priest’s car parked outside St. Mary’s Ancient Church of the East Cathedral in Baghdad. After police and church members arrived at the scene minutes later, a car bomb went off nearby, killing a child and the church’s guard. Open Doors’ sources in Baghdad report that at least two people have been killed and many more have been injured by bombs in front and behind the church and Patriarchate of the Ancient Church of the East. Earlier this month, a car bomb went off near Open Doors’ property in Baghdad. Fortunately, no one was injured, but visitors were very frightened and co-workers remain anxious. Dr. Carl Moeller, Open Doors USA President, says: “Iraq is obviously a very dangerous place and Christians are caught in the crossfire. Many Christians are fleeing; but those who remain need our support and prayers.” Moeller and Open Doors urge Christians to unite in prayer with our Iraqi brothers and sisters. Pray for strength for the believers and their children, and pray for the church leaders that they will be able to guide with wisdom. Pray for our workers in the country; for safety and protection.