Where God weeps_Christians in Mosul, Iraq

Summary

Since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Christians in the country have faced severe persecution, leading to widespread displacement and a dramatic decline in their numbers. With little protection from the authorities, many have sought refuge in northern Iraq's Kurdistan region, where safety and aid have provided hope. Despite challenges, including economic difficulties and the strain of accommodating large numbers of displaced families, Catholic leaders are working to create opportunities and support for the Christian community. Their efforts are supported by international aid, as they encourage their people to remain and witness their faith in Iraq.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many Iraqi Christians experienced a loss of faith and fear for their safety due to the inability to attend church during times of conflict.
• 😀 Since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003, a significant number of Iraqi Christians have been forced to flee due to escalating violence against them.
• 😀 The security situation in Iraq is unstable, with sectarian divisions and insufficient training of the military and police to protect civilians, particularly minorities.
• 😀 Despite making up only 2% of the Iraqi population, Christians represent 40% of the refugees seeking asylum abroad due to persecution.
• 😀 The number of Christians in Iraq has drastically decreased from around 900,000 before the invasion to about 200,000 today.
• 😀 Many Christians in Iraq are internally displaced, with Kurdistan offering a relative safe haven where some new villages, like Lev, have been established for them.
• 😀 Although there is safety in Kurdistan, many displaced families struggle to find work and rebuild their lives, relying on external aid for basic support.
• 😀 The church has provided vital assistance to displaced families, including transportation and educational support through initiatives like providing a bus for students.
• 😀 The Christian population in Arbil, Kurdistan, has grown significantly, leading to overcrowded churches and increased pastoral pressures.
• 😀 Catholic leaders in Iraq are working to provide opportunities for internally displaced families to stay in the country by creating new educational and job opportunities, including university projects.

Q & A

Why did the speaker feel their faith weakened in Baghdad?

The speaker felt their faith weakened because they were unable to attend church and were afraid to leave their homes due to security concerns in Baghdad.

What was the impact of the 2003 invasion on Iraqi Christians?

The 2003 invasion led to a massive upheaval for Iraqi Christians, causing hundreds of thousands to be displaced due to violent attacks and a lack of protection, with many seeking asylum abroad.

How has the Christian population in Iraq been affected since the invasion?

The Christian population in Iraq has significantly declined, from 900,000 before the invasion to approximately 200,000 today, with many killed or displaced by violence.

Why is the security situation in Iraq described as a vacuum?

The security situation is described as a vacuum because the Army and police forces are not well-trained and are often divided along sectarian lines, leaving citizens vulnerable to violence.

What role does Kurdistan play in the safety of Iraqi Christians?

Kurdistan has become a safe haven for many Christians fleeing violence in other parts of Iraq, offering greater safety and basic housing, though the region still faces challenges related to livelihood and infrastructure.

How has the Catholic Church helped displaced Christians in Iraq?

The Catholic Church, through organizations like Aid to the Church in Need, has provided vital support to displaced Christians, including buying buses for student transportation and offering gift packages during holidays.

What challenges do families face when relocating to the countryside of Iraq?

Families relocating to the countryside struggle to make ends meet due to the lack of employment opportunities, as farming and related skills are essential for livelihoods in rural areas.

What is the significance of the university project in Kurdistan for displaced Christians?

The university project, a joint effort with Holy Spirit University in Lebanon, aims to provide displaced Christians in Kurdistan with educational opportunities and secure jobs, helping them rebuild their lives.

What does the speaker encourage Christians around the world to do?

The speaker encourages Christians worldwide to support efforts to help displaced Christians in Iraq, emphasizing the importance of staying in Iraq and witnessing the Christian faith amidst adversity.

How has the Christian population in the area of Arbil (Erbil) changed since the 1990s?

The Christian population in the suburb of Arbil has grown significantly, from just over 85,000 in the mid-1990s to more than 250,000 today, largely due to immigration from other parts of Iraq.