Christianity became rooted in Iraq from
the first Christian centuries.
The
Christian community of Iraq has
been an important part of the fabric of
Iraqi society at all times.
They made
substantial contributions to the
emergence of the Abbasid civilization
that flourished on Iraqi soil as well as
the building of modern Iraq. They have
always been proud of their country in
which they lived from ancient times and
to which they are attached by bonds of
history that go back to the Assyrians
and the Babylonians.
The recent
attacks on the Christians of Iraq, their
churches and their religious leaders and
the resulting displacement are
heartbreaking. It is estimated that more
than half of the Christian population
has fled the country and a lot more
displaced within the country to safer
areas. UNHCR have reported that 44% of
asylum seekers reaching Syria since
their register started in 2003 are
Christians, despite the fact that
Christians form only 4% of the Iraqi
population.
While
neighbouring countries have been generous
in receiving the displaced people,
resources are limited and many are
reduced to dependence on relatives who
live in more prosperous countries. Those
who do not have any such help need
immediate support and it is those people
that ICIN intends to reach for.
As Christians we continue to pray asking our Benevolent
Creator to protect his creation in Iraq both Christian and Muslim, and while we
pray for all world leaders that they may be enlightened to take the right
decisions in steering our beloved country to safety, we feel we want to make
some contribution towards the sufferings of those displaced people who do not
have the privilege of somebody to protect them.
It is the suffering of those vulnerable displaced people that
our charity tries to address by giving financial help through our churches.
Meanwhile, the
tragedy of the Iraqi Christians
continues
Hear the
radio interview, watch the various
videos: