The Christian Community in Iraq

Religious leaders around the world, including those in the Presbyterian Church (USA) are asking their members to pray for the Christian community in Iraq, particularly the northern city of Mosul, where more than two dozen Christians have been murdered in October by militant Sunnis. Mosul, the second most populous city in Iraq, is the site of the ancient biblical city of Ninevah and home to one of Iraq's five Presbyterian-Reformed congregations. Hundreds of Christians have fled Mosul since the spate of killings began.

General Assembly Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Bruce Reyes-Chow, has sent a letter to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urging Iraqi government protection for their Christian citizens. It said in part: “We write to you today out of a grave concern for the Christian community of Mosul. As any other minority in Iraq, they should be defended against the recent terrorist acts, which seem intended to eliminate the Christian presence in the region.”