16 Iraq
Persecution Type
- Islamic oppression (Very strong)
- Clan oppression (Strong), Organized corruption and crime (Strong)
- Dictatorial paranoia (Strong)
- Christian denominational protectionism (Medium)
Christian population
154,000
Government
Federal parliamentary republic
Main Religion
Islam
Leader
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani
What does persecution look like in Iraq?
The Christian community continues to rebuild and restore as it heals from the horrors of the Islamic State group. Plus, Turkish and Iranian airstrikes continue in some parts of Iraq, impacting Christian communities.
The historic Christian communities in Iraq also face issues with persecution and discrimination, particularly from Islamic militant groups and non-Christian leaders. In places where they are the significant minority—like central and southern Iraq—Christians often do not publicly display Christian symbols, as it can lead to harassment or mistreatment at checkpoints, universities, workplaces or governmental offices. Christians from both historic and newer denominations can face discrimination from the government; any outspoken Christian group can also be accused of blasphemy if it’s deemed it is sharing the gospel with Muslims.
Finally, anyone who converts from Islam will likely face intense pressure from their families and communities. They can be threatened, abused, lose family members, pressured or even killed. Conversion can have practical consequences as well, including loss of inheritance and lack of opportunity.
What changed this year?
Violence rose, making an already difficult place for Christians an even harder place to follow Jesus. Additionally, parts of Iraq that had traditionally been more tolerant of conversion have become more dangerous for anyone wishing to leave Islam to follow Jesus. Aside from these factors, the situation in much of Iraq remains difficult.
Christians in all areas live under pressure because they follow Jesus, and many church communities continue to deal with the fallout of the Islamic State group’s reign of terror. The risk remains very high for all who claim the name of Jesus in Iraq.
How can I pray?
- Pray for Christians and churches who are victims of discrimination in Iraq. Ask God to help them persevere through unfair treatment and to change the hearts of their persecutors.
- Praise God that rebuilding continues in historically Christian communities in northern Iraq. Ask Him to help churches and Christians continue to deepen their roots in Iraq.
- Pray for Open Doors’ work supporting trauma care in Iraq. So many Iraqi Christians carry deep wounds from the years of ISIS. Ask God to bless this ministry.
