For many individuals in Iraq, the journey of faith can turn perilous, particularly for those who choose to convert from Islam to Christianity. The obstacles are daunting, ranging from brutal physical violence to threats of kidnapping—and in some tragic cases, even death.
Jeff King, the president of International Christian Concern (ICC), shed light on the disturbing reality for Christians in Iraq. He pointed out that the severity of persecution often correlates with the degree of fundamentalism within families. “If it’s a very fundamentalist family, it can be very typical that you are going to be kidnapped and beaten. That would probably be the lowest level, the lowest response,” he shared.
The statistics are grim; Iraq ranks as the 16th most dangerous country for Christians globally, according to Open Doors’ World Watch List, which assesses persecution levels. Those who decide to embrace Christianity often endure significant hardship, facing pressure from family and communities alike. The consequences can be harsh, as individuals can expect threats, abuse, and sometimes even murder, alongside practical repercussions such as losing their familial inheritance.
King reflected on his experience in Iraq during the harrowing years when the Islamic State wreaked havoc across the nation. “ISIS went into the Christian areas and they emptied them all out, and destroyed the towns, destroyed the wells — everything,” he lamented, noting that the terror group aimed to eradicate centuries of Christian presence in the region. “They wanted to end Christianity that has been in Iraq for a thousand years, really, since the very beginning.”
Despite the challenges, organizations like ICC are working tirelessly to restore the devastated Christian communities. Their efforts include rebuilding businesses and providing essential services, such as creating new wells. However, King emphasized that the scars of violence and destruction linger: “The victimization keeps going on and all that legacy of damage is awaiting repair.”
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