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Iraq

Christians in Iraq at present comprise about 4 percent of Iraq's population of 20 million. This was not the case in the 1970s, but political and social changes and two major wars led many Iraqi Christians and Muslims to emigrate from the country. Christians already had been in the minority, but the drastic decline of the last 25 years means there now are more Iraqi Christians outside of Iraq than inside this war-torn country.

Christianity in Iraq dates from the apostolic era and is one of the oldest organized churches in the world. In spite of the division in the church at that time Iraqi Christians were pioneers in spreading the gospel to Persia and Arabia.

Presbyterians and other Reformed and Anglican missionaries have been in Iraq since the early 1800s. In a later stage they formed what became known as the United Mission to Iraq. The United Mission worked very actively in education, health care and church development until late 1960, when the Iraqi government nationalized all schools and hospitals. Since then the five Presbyterian congregations have continued their ministry to their own people but have done very little outreach. Only in the last year or so have the five congregations been able to come together under the Assembly of the Presbyterian Churches of Iraq.

During the last five years the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has tried to support the congregations in Iraq and help them reconnect with other Presbyterian churches in the region, such as the Synod of the Nile in Egypt, the Synod of Syria and Lebanon, and most recently the Reformed Church in Kuwait. Some PC(USA) congregations have been able to establish partnerships with Presbyterian congregations in Iraq.

 
   
   
             
 
 

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 331

November 24

Overview of the Middle East

 
             
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Related Stories

March 13, 2008 [BBC] Kidnapped Iraqi archbishop dead
March 12, 2008 [ENI] Iraqi refugees who seek safety in Syria strive for lasting home
February 8, 2008 Stated Clerk sends statements of concern about recent suicide bombings
December 4, 2007 [ENI] Iraqi Christians facing most difficult time ever, says Baghdad priest
November 6, 2007 Jordanian church leaders say international community must do more to alleviate Iraq War-bred problems
October 8, 2007 [RNS] Iraqi Christians must choose: live in fear or flee
October 7–8, 2007 Interfaith Fast to End the War in Iraq
October 1, 2007 [WCC] International silence on Iraq's humanitarian crisis needs to be broken, WCC governing body says
September 13, 2007 Presbyterians urged to join ongoing ecumenical Iraq War vigil
September 11, 2007 U.S. multi-faith coalition urges fast to protest Iraq war
August 6, 2007 CWS to provide assistance to Iraqis in crisis
June 28, 2007 WCC feature: "They have stolen the nights of Baghdad from us"
July 2007 Join with Iraqi Christians in a Covenant of Prayer
July 5, 2007 New network formed to support ministry in Iraq
June 29, 2007 A prominent Iraqi Christian shares his views on the situation in the violence-plagued country
June 28, 2007 WCC feature: "They have stolen the nights of Baghdad from us"
June 25, 2007 Topeka church’s rocking chair vigil raises funds for Iraq relief
May 22, 2007 NCC women’s delegation hears from Iraqi, Palestinian refugees
May 9–22, 2007 Reflections on the NCC trip
May/June 2007 The Future of Iraq (Washington Office report to Presbyterians)
May 8, 2007 NCC women’s Mideast delegation focus is women and children
May 3, 2007  U.S. commission worried about religious freedom in Iraq
April 2007 Update on the Presbyterian churches in Iraq

 
             
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Mission Network

For information contact Victor Makari.

The Iraq Network is among more than 25 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.

 
             
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