Christians suffer violence, growing intolerance, and diminished rights.
bottom“Attacks on Christians are still continuing—on their skills, their jobs, the seizure of their properties...and an attempt to deliberately erase their heritage, history, [and] religious legacy."
– Cardinal Louis Sako, Chaldean Church
The pressure on Iraqi Christians remains at an extreme level and violence against them continues to be very high. Widespread corruption and lack of real protection undermine their rights and stability.
There seems to be less tolerance for Christians even in areas they were previously more welcome. Believers face increasing pressure from various groups, especially since the rise of Iran-backed Shia extremists following the Islamic State group’s territorial losses. While Islamic State still poses a threat, attacks from Turkey and Iran (airstrikes and ground operations) have predominantly devastated Christian villages, forcing many to flee.
Different Christian denominations, such as the Assyrian and Chaldean Churches, are all seriously affected by discrimination and violence from extremist groups and government authorities.
Pressure on converts from Islam is intense, often forcing them to hide their faith. In 2023, two converts faced severe backlash after sharing their beliefs online. Recently, after a decision of the Iraqi government, the Kurdish Regional Government cut parliamentary seats for religious minorities, diminishing their representation.
Without meaningful reforms and guarantees of Christian rights, many fear the exodus of Christians from Iraq will remain constant.
Most Christians in Iraq reside in northern provinces such as Nineveh, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk. Few remain in Baghdad and Basra.
Violations against converts are more frequent in Arab areas than Kurdish ones. While Kurdish regions were once more tolerant, this tolerance is decreasing due to the growing influence of conservative Islam. Women who convert from Islam face severe violations, including house arrest, beatings and even death, often from their own families. Male converts risk expulsion, threats, or death to maintain family honour.
– For Christians returning to their homes after conflict as they rebuild and recover.
– That God will bless the work of Open Doors to provide trauma care to Iraqi Christians.
– For converts from Islam to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit through persecution.
Open Doors’ local partners strengthen the Church in Iraq with training, trauma care, the delivery of Bibles and Christian books, livelihood projects and microloans, rebuilding homes and churches, and crisis relief.
