Iraq: 2,000 Christians killed, 600,000 have fled nation since 2003

Friday, 05 March 2010 16:03

CWNews.com - In the seven years since the Iraq War was launched, 2,000 Christians have been murdered and 600,000 have fled Iraq, according to Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. 44% of Iraqi refugees are Christians, and many of the 600,000 Christians who remain are internally displaced persons who have had to flee their homes.

“The life of Christians in this nation does not appear to be among the priorities,” said Chaldean Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni on the eve of the March 7 parliamentary elections. “We are victims of fanaticism and general instability, which leaves a free hand to those who want to use violence to intimidate. The causes are many and varied, but the end seems clear: continually reduce the Christian presence in Iraq, marginalize it, and deprive it of any rights.”

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Bishop Warduni: a vote for rights, peace, and religious freedom (Fides)
• A Brief Overview: 2,000 deaths and 600,000 Christian refugees in 7 years (Fides)
• Christians in preparation for elections, amidst fears and hopes (Fides)
• Iraqi prime minister doesn't fear return of violence with elections (CNN)