To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Jeff Walton : Jan 6, 2011  Institute on Religion and Democracy

Leaders are asking the Secretary of State to call on administration to develop a policy for protection.

(Washington, D.C.)?The Institute on Religion and Democracy urges U.S. churches to heed the example of the U.S. Congressional Religious Minorities in Iraq Caucus, which is drawing attention?and demanding a U.S. government response to?the plight of persecuted Christians in Iraq.

In a recent letter to President Obama, the Congressional group warned that the current situation "promises more innocent Christian blood in Iraq, more turmoil in that country, and more shame for America."

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.), have written to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling on the administration to develop a comprehensive policy for the protection of indigenous religious communities in Iraq. Additionally, Wolf has contacted 40 U.S. religious leaders of different denominations, asking that they consider "how you might use your influence within the church in the West to highlight this unfolding tragedy and possibly prevent what would surely be a devastating outcome?the extinction of Christians in Iraq."

Before the ouster of Saddam Hussein, there were about 1.4 million Christians in Iraq, comprising about 3 percent of the population, Eshoo told The Hill newspaper. Today, through a mass exodus and violence that has included a dozen members of the clergy killed or kidnapped, about 400,000 remain.

IRD Religious Liberty Director Faith J.H. McDonnell commented:
"The IRD was pleased to join earlier this month in a rally sponsored by Iraqi Americans representing Christians and other religious minority groups that have been oppressed and persecuted. Along with speakers from various human rights and Christian organizations they called upon the respective governments to ensure that the rights and freedoms of the indigenous minorities in Iraq are honored and protected.

"Al Qaeda-connected jihadists have told Iraq's Christians and other 'infidels' to 'prepare to die.' We must stand with these persecuted Believers in their hour of need.

"Our too often silent U.S. churches should heed leaders like U.S. Representatives Wolf and Eshoo who are insisting that the U.S. government not ignore these vulnerable Christians."

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Americans Split On Pastors Using AI, Skeptical It Can Help With Understanding the Bible

Daughters of the American Revolution to Vote on Definition of 'Woman' amid Criticism of Transgender Policy

FYI: These 568 Companies Are Paying to Trans Kids. A Nationwide Campaign Demands They Stop

'They Paid Me to Vote': Homeless Residents Make Explosive Claims after Spencer Pratt's Loss [Video]

America Becomes India's Top Gas Supplier amid Strait of Hormuz Conflict

Netanyahu: 'Iran Will Not Have Nuclear Weapons'

'Fauci, Biden Admin Lied to American People': DNI Gabbard Reveals Evidence of US Taxpayer-Funded Global Biolab Program

Human Trafficking Update: Feds Identify 15,500 Sponsors of Multiple Unaccompanied Kids

Ainsley Earhardt Celebrates America; Reveals Supernatural Experience That Strengthened Her Faith [Video]

Melania Trump Launches First-of-Its-Kind Foster Youth Accounts to Give Children Asset Ownership

Changing Tide: Record-low 38% of Americans Support 'Gender Transitions' - Gallup Poll

4 States Offering Pride Month Alternatives That Celebrate Family

PRO-LIFE WIN: Trump Admin Moves to Remedy Downfall of IVF

Karmelo Anthony Claims He's 'Penniless,' Can't Afford Lawyer for Appeal, Despite Pocketing $625,000, after Murder Conviction

Trump Says US Snuck 22 Oil Ships Past Iran in Covert Op, US Strikes Regime 2 Nights in a Row

Memphis Safe Task Force Surpasses 10,000 Arrests, Locates 154 Missing Children and Removes over 1,700 Firearms from City Streets

President Trump Signs $70 Billion Border Security, ICE Funding Bill that Includes Funding to Combat Child Trafficking

Report: Parents Remain Essential to Instilling Authentic Faith in Next Generation

Who Is Counseling Our Children?

Supreme Court Vacates Biden-Era Decision Outlawing Gas Stoves, Water Heaters

Steve Shultz, Managing Editor
Founder and Owner

Aimee Herd, Editor