Iraqi PM Pledges to Protect Persecuted Christians
Pastor Dale Morgan
Iraqi PM Pledges to Protect Persecuted Christians*
AP - Sunday, October 28
BAGHDAD - Iraq's prime minister pledged Saturday to protect and support
the Christian minority that has been fleeing the chaos and sectarian
violence in the country.
After receiving the Chaldean patriarch of Baghdad, Emmanuel III Delly,
Nouri al-Maliki affirmed his government's readiness and determination to
defend the small community and to stop the outflow of Iraqi Christians,
according to a statement released by al-Maliki's office.
Delly, who is the head of Chaldean Church in Iraq and spiritual leader
to all Chaldeans, has been outspoken about the need to protect minority
Christians from Iraq's spiraling violence.
The Christian community here, about 3 percent of the country's 26
million people, is particularly vulnerable, and has little political or
military clout to defend itself.
Since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, Iraqi Christians, who are mostly
Chaldeans, have been targeted by Islamic extremists who label them
"crusaders" loyal to U.S. troops.
Churches, priests and business owned by Christians have been attacked by
Islamic militants.
Seeking better and safer life, about 50 percent of Iraq's Christians are
thought to have left the country, according to a report issued by the
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which advises the
White House and Congress.