Church demolished in Khartoum

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the Church of Christ in Bahri (north Khartoum) was demolished this morning by Sudanese authorities. Meanwhile, a neighboring mosque remains untouched. According to ICC sources, the Church of Christ in Bahri, Sudan's third-largest city, was highly attended and "one of [the] big local churches in the area." The reason provided for the church's demolition is that "it was built on [a] square that belongs to [the] government for public services." For 20 years, the church had peacefully shared space on that square with its counterpart, the Bahri Mosque, which, after the Church's state-sanctioned demolition this morning, remains unharmed. In an email to ICC this morning, a Church of Christ pastor in Khartoum wrote, "The people who used to attend service are about 600 people and they will not have place at moment to worship, even though the pastor in charge appealed to Authorities to give him time until after rain season but they refused." According to a former Sudanese pastor now living and working in the United States, members of the congregation were injured in a conflict with authorities while protesting the demolition. Previous church demolitions by Sudanese authorities have been recorded. In February of this year, Morning Star News reported that "bulldozers accompanied by local police and personnel from the National Intelligence and Security Services destroyed the Sudanese Church of Christ building in the Ombada area of Omdurman." In October of 2013, Sudanese "police and security forces broke through the fence of Bahri Evangelical Church...beat and arrested Christians in the compound and asserted parts of the property belonged to the Muslim investor accompanying them," according to Christian Today. And in June of 2012, "authorities in Khartoum demolished two church buildings...days after confiscating three Catholic schools," reported Christian Post. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said, "We remain deeply concerned for Christians in Bahri, Khartoum, and Omdurman, who continue to be increasingly repressed at the hands of a regime that has promised to install a 'purely Islamic' society throughout post-succession Sudan. The motivation for this morning's demolition is clear: a church has been destroyed and its congregants injured while its Islamic counterpart remains unharmed. The al-Bashir regime has resumed a campaign to drive Christians from the heart of Sudan in pursuit of its grossly inhumane 'Islamization' and 'Arabization' policies. As Sudan continues to bar a family from leaving Sudan for its Christian faith, it's actively driving out others for theirs."  For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org  # # #

In disseminating this release, we request that you reference International Christian Concern and www.persecution.org. ICC is a human rights and faith-based organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. We provide assistance to those in need, lend a voice to the voiceless, and write the stories of the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information, please contact us by phone at 800-422-5441, or by email at icc@persecution.org.

Most recent Boko Haram massacre

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that armed Islamic militants have killed "scores" of worshippers and civilians and burned down four churches in raids on two villages in Nigeria's northeast. Nigerian military and law enforcement personnel have neither confirmed the attacks nor announced an official death toll. This morning, armed militants suspected to belong to the radical Islamic insurgency, Boko Haram, "sprayed gunfire at worshippers and torched four churches" in Kwada, "a village just miles from the town where more than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped," according to the Associated Press (AP). Reports have identified three of the four destroyed churches as the Protestant Church of Christ in Nigeria, the Pentecostal Deeper Life Bible Church and the Church of the Brethren, or EYN church. In speaking with the AP, Millam Yahi, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), "the attackers went on to neighboring Kautikari, where they gunned down villagers and burned down homes." Yahi clarified that members of the CJTF were not yet able to reach Kautikari to assess the damage and announce an unofficial death toll. Spokesman Gideon Jubrin has stated that police have not confirmed the attack "because bad communications have kept them from reaching the nearest security post at Chibok."However, a Chibok resident told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that, in response to distress calls from Kwada villagers, security personnel "just went and got a hiding place in the bush." That allegation has yet to be confirmed. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said, "The latest attack by Boko Haram on four churches and those innocently attending Sunday services inside once again affirms the religious motivation of this group's heinous crimes against the Nigerian people. For years, the Christian population of north Nigeria has faced a devastating offensive by Islamic militants that has yet to be effectively countered. Today, the bloodied soil of Kwada and Kautikari villages serve as a heart-rending cry for greater action to ensure the safety of Christians wishing to exercise their right to practice their beliefs free from fear of retribution at the barrel of gun or trigger of an explosive." For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org  # # #

In disseminating this release, we request that you reference International Christian Concern and www.persecution.org. ICC is a human rights and faith-based organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. We provide assistance to those in need, lend a voice to the voiceless, and write the stories of the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information, please contact us by phone at 800-422-5441, or by email at icc@persecution.org.

Meriam Ibrahim conditionally released

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, a 27-year-old mother of two and wife to an American citizen, has been conditionally released from police custody and is now being sheltered, with her family, in a safe location. After soliciting a guarantor and agreeing not to leave Sudan, Meriam was released late Thursday after having been charged with falsifying documents and providing false information. In speaking with a source this morning, ICC learn that "a prisoner can only be released...if he/she finds someone to sign as a guarantor for him/her. In this case, if the released prisoner who was under condition escapes (the country) or doesn't show him or herself to the authorities, the guarantor will be imprisoned in place of the released prisoner." That same ICC source went on to say, "In Meriam's case, people were afraid that if they signed as a guarantor...their life might be put in danger both by the authority and the local community." Speaking to the members of the press for the first time since her initial incarceration on February 17, Ibrahim told the BBC, "I would like to thank those who stood beside me." When asked about her plans following the release, Ibrahim responded, saying, "I will leave it to God." A statement issued Thursday by State Department Spokeswoman, Marie Harf, reads, "[Meriam] and her family are in a safe location and the Government of Sudan has assured [the United States] of the family's continued safety. The (U.S.) Embassy remains highly engaged in [Ms. Ibrahim's] case." Mohanad Mustafa, of the Ibrahims' legal defense, said, "Mariam was released after a guarantor was found, but, of course, she would not be able to leave the country." Questions remain as to whether Meriam will be held accountable to charges of falsifying documents and providing false information, criminal acts according to Abdullahi Alzareg of the Sudan Foreign Ministry. Questions also remain as to how long a travel ban imposed on Meriam by the Sudanese state will remain in effect, and whether the ban extends to her children. Reports are conflicted as to whether the Sudanese State has or has not overturned the annulment of Meriam's marriage. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said, "It is a great relief to know that Meriam has been restored to her family and is in a safe location. The volatility of the situation continues to raise many questions as to the next steps forward in ensuring the Ibrahims' swift and safe departure from Sudan, questions that can and must be answered in time. The United States and international community must continue to work with the Sudanese state in seeing to the Ibrahims' departure, but must be sure to do so with the full recognition of the egregious human rights and religious freedom violations the al-Bashir regime has committed against Meriam, her family and all Christians living and suffering in the increasingly repressive east African State." For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org  # # #

In disseminating this release, we request that you reference International Christian Concern and www.persecution.org. ICC is a human rights and faith-based organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. We provide assistance to those in need, lend a voice to the voiceless, and write the stories of the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information, please contact us at by phone at 800-422-5441, or by email at icc@persecution.org.

Chinese Christians call on China's government to stop illegal anti-church campaign

Chinese Christians vowed to "guard their church to the end" while facing the growing anti-church campaign in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Local pastors and church members from various churches published a public letter the Wenzhou City government which included a list of eight ways the government had been illegally demolishing their church buildings and crosses. The government ignored their pleas, and within a week local authorities had forcibly removed the cross from the roof of Yahui Church in Pingyang County, Wenzhou City, and threatened church members harm if they talked to the media or petitioned Beijing. The Chinese government has since blocked the content of the public letter on websites within mainland China. It is reported that over 360 churches in Zhejiang Province have been completely or partially demolished under the guise of "removing or modifying illegal constructions." The government of Zhejiang Province says it is removing or modifying illegal buildings for urban development. However, in a news release, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported, and later the New York Times  corroborated, that the target has been religious buildings at the exclusion of all others. ICC received a list of 15 churches in Pingyang County alone that are facing cross demolition by the end of this month. It is widely believed that the campaign is exclusively targeting Christian churches. "The campaign has been unbridled and the government demolishes church crosses recklessly," said a local church member. In the published public letter to Wenzhou City government, local believers listed eight reasons why "the anti-church campaign is an abnormally illegal administrative action that is abusing authority and ignoring the rule of law." They claimed that China's Administrative Punishment Law requires advanced notice before the government's compulsory execution. However, the government's demolition teams usually show up at churches in the middle of the night, without legal documents, and began the demolition process under the cover of darkness. In addition, Chinese Christians argued that, even if a cross is illegal, the law demands that the demolition team should be from the Religious Bureau or the Housing and City Planning Bureau. However, the demolition team is usually made up of unidentified personnel, police, and SWAT-a clear violation of procedure and the rights of the believers. Local Christians told ICC that with this blatant anti-church campaign, "the Government is causing deep panic among its citizens. What good do they gain from it?"In addition, the presence of police and SWAT does not incite peace. "Their behaviors are nearly barbarian on many occasions," according to local Christians. Proof of this unacceptable behavior can be seen in exclusive video footage obtained by ICC showing police beating believers with a baton during a standoff. Not long after the public letter was published, ICC received information that the cross of Yahui Church in Pingyang County has been forcibly removed on Friday morning. Thevideo sent to ICC from local believers shows that when the cross was slowly lowered down by government's construction machine, believers burst into tears and sang the Chinese hymn "cross, cross, be my glory forever; all my sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus." ICC's Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Sooyoung Kim, said, "Zhejiang provincial authorities have carefully planned and carried out their systematic attack against Christianity and churches. No one should have their property targeted for destruction based on their faith. The Chinese are told they can live the "Chinese Dream," but this is not possible for the citizens of China when the local government breaks the law with impunity. We call on the Chinese central government to no longer turn a blind eye, and instead, to clearly express its disappointment in the local government and put a stop to their illegal activities. The "Chinese Dream" should be for all Chinese citizens, including China's 100 million plus Christians." For interviews, contact Sooyoung Kim, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia:   RM-SEAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Meriam Ibrahim stuck in Sudan

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Meriam Yahi Ibrahim is has been detained for a 24-hour interrogation period at a police station in Khartoum to sort through "irregularities" in documentation she and her husband presented while attempting to flee the country yesterday morning. Meriam, her husband Daniel and their two children, Martin and Maya, were "briefly" detained at the Khartoum airport yesterday by more than 40 members of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).   Following their brief detention yesterday at Khartoum airport, Meriam has been released into the custody of local law enforcement for 24 hours of questioning regarding documentation provided by the South Sudanese and United States (U.S.) embassies in Khartoum. According to  The Telegraph, Meriam was carrying both a U.S. visa and South Sudanese travel papers, reportedly issued to her personally on Tuesday by South Sudan's Charge d'Affaires, Kau Nak. Nak, in speaking with AFP, said, "I'm the one who issued that travel document to [Ibrahim]. My signature is on the back of the document." Nak also stated that his embassy has not been contacted by law enforcement personnel nor officials of the Sudanese government with regard to the authenticity of the papers issued to Ibrahim. NBC has reported that a U.S. Ambassador in Khartoum has been summoned by Sudanese officials "over Washington's attempts to assist a mother who had been sentenced to death for refusing to denounce Christianity." In speaking to the BBC, Sudanese foreign ministry official, Abdullahi Alzareg, claims Meriam "came to the airport in an American embassy car-which was bullet proof and heavily guarded." Alzareg went on to characterize the transport as "fishy." In speaking with a member of the Ibrahims' legal defense this morning, ICC has been told that Daniel, Martin and Maya are now at the police station where Meriam continues to be held for questioning. In speaking with ICC, the Ibrahims' legal defense believes Meriam will be released by 9 p.m. local time (2 p.m. EDT). ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said, "We remain concerned for the wellbeing of Meriam and her family as Sudan continues to impede their departure from the country. While it's positive that both the U.S. and South Sudanese embassies are actively assisting the Ibrahims, more must be done by the international community to ensure their swift and safe removal from Sudan. President al-Bashir's regime and security apparatus have indicated what could be their intention to hold Meriam and her family in Sudan indefinitely, adding to the growing list of human rights violations the state has voluntarily perpetrated against Meriam and her family." For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org  # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

The Ordeal of Meriam Ibrahim

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, her husband, Daniel Wani, and two children, Martin and Maya, have been released from the custody of security personnel following their arrest early this morning. The situation remains tense as the terms of the release have not been made clear nor has the Ibrahims' freedom to travel been confirmed. Following their arrest by more than 40 National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) personnel early this morning at a Khartoum airport, Ibrahim, her husband, and two children have reportedly been released from what the BBC is calling a "brief" detention. According to Sudanese officials, Meriam was not able to provide sufficient documentation in attempting to leave the country, despite her alleged possession of a United States (U.S.) visa. However, in speaking with Ibrahim's legal defense this morning, ICC was told they had been detained for "national security concerns." Additionally, ICC sources have speculated that the explanation for the arrest provided by the Sudanese government is simply a justification to prevent their departure from the country indefinitely. ICC sources have reported the family was set to travel to South Sudan, possibly en-route to their anticipated final destination: the U.S.  The arrest and detention followed Meriam's 126-day imprisonment on charges of adultery and apostasy. Those charges, and their respective sentences, were dropped following the Khartoum Court of Appeal's June 23 decision to overturn the verdict reached by Judge Abbas al-Khaleefa of the El Haj Yousif Public Order Court. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said, "We are incredibly relieved to hear of Meriam, Daniel, Martin, and Maya's release; however, we remain justifiably cautious of the road ahead. In arbitrarily detaining Meriam and her family this morning, the al-Bashir regime has proven that it cannot be trusted to respect Meriam's innocence, as recognized by one of Sudan's highest courts just yesterday. It has become incredibly clear that the United States and international community must continue to pressure the Sudanese government on this case, and to use all means necessary to ensure their swift and safe removal from the country." For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org  # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Egyptian man sentenced to six years for blasphemy

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned Kerolos Shawky, a Christian in southern Egypt, has been convicted and sentenced to six years in prison and a fine of 6,000 EGP ($840 USD) on charges of blasphemy and contempt of Islam. The ruling was handed down on Tuesday. His defense team plans to appeal and hopes the conviction will be reviewed before the end of this month, one of his lawyers told ICC.

As ICC reported, Kerolos was accused of violating Article 98(f) of the Egyptian Penal Code which prohibits "ridiculing or insulting heavenly religions or inciting sectarian strife" but is often used as a means of persecuting religious minorities, as the United States Commission on Religious Freedom highlighted in its 2014 Annual Report. The accusations brought against Kerolos also sparked violence against Christians in the surrounding area as shops and homes were vandalized and set on fire.

Rafla Zekry Rafla, a lawyer representing Kerolos and president of the Human Rights Commission of the Luxor Bar Association, told ICC he feels the charges are unfair. "Kerolos didn't intend to insult the Islamic religion, only he made a like on the page of Knights of the Cross on Facebook," Rafla told ICC. "He doesn't have much experience in the internet plus he suffers from poor eyesight. So there was not any intention for the contempt or blasphemy of Islam," he continued.

Kerolos' case and the attacks on Christian-owned property demonstrate the high level of sectarian tensions that continue to be present, Jay Roddy, researcher with the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, told ICC. "Shortly before the man's trial was set to take place, Christian-owned property in the same village was set ablaze in what appears to be a related attack," Roddy continued.

While there was hope that the election of Abdel Fatah El-Sisi would be a positive sign for Christians, this is now the third conviction of a Christian on seemingly insignificant charges. On June 15, an appeals court confirmed the conviction of Demyana Abd al-Nour on charges of blasphemy. On June 18, Bishoy Armia Boulous was sentenced to five years in prison for charges that have not been disclosed, but believed to be inciting sectarian violence for allegedly sharing reports of attacks on churches.

Todd Daniels, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "The Egyptian legal system appears to have no concern for upholding the rule of law or protecting the fundamental rights of Egyptian citizens. From frivolous convictions on accusations of blasphemy like those brought against Kerolos and Demyana or the conviction of Bishoy, to the cases involving journalists, political dissidents, and protestors, fundamental human rights are being trampled. Egypt must quickly abandon the use of sham trials that violate the most basic rights of all citizens, including its Christian minority. The United States should use its role as a key ally and a significant donor of funds to Egypt to ensure that the country is moving to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens."

For interviews, contact Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East: RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Meriam Ibrahim arrested again

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, her husband, Daniel Wani, and two children were arrested at a Khartoum airport earlier this morning. The arrest follows Ibrahim's court-ordered release from prison and acquittal of charges of adultery and apostasy just yesterday. Ibrahim, a 27-year-old mother of two and wife of a United States (U.S.) citizen, was sentenced to death for her Christian faith on May 15 by the El Haj Yousif Public Order Court in Khartoum. Ibrahim's case was filed with the Khartoum Court of Appeals on May 22, which ordered her full acquittal and immediate release from the Omdurman Federal Women's Prison, where she and her two children, 22-month-old, Martin, and 4-week-old, Maya, had been held for 126 days. In speaking with a member of Ibrahim's legal defense this morning, ICC learned that Meriam, Daniel, and their two children were arrested for "national security concerns" by members of the Sudanese military. According to that same defense lawyer, the Ibrahims were, at the time of this release, being held at a "National Security Office." In speaking with ICC, Ibrahim's defense expressed great concern over the situation, repeatedly stating that "no one can do anything." The defense explained that no legal mechanism exists by which to intervene on the Ibrahims' behalf. Some ICC sources also reported that the Ibrahims' legal defense have been threatened with arrest by Sudanese authorities. Though the Ibrahims' legal defense did not confirm the destination the Ibrahims were scheduled to fly to, the BBC has reported that Daniel stated his intention Monday to "leave for the U.S."Unconfirmed reports, however, have speculated that the family was on its way to South Sudan, Daniel's home country. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said, "We are deeply concerned by Meriam, Daniel, Martin and Maya's arrest this morning at the hands of military personnel. The implication that an educated mother, debilitated father, toddler and infant pose a national security concern is absolutely absurd. Just yesterday, a Sudanese court not only released Meriam and her children, but acquitted her of all charges, dropped all imposed sentences and recognized as legal her marriage to Daniel, which had previously been annulled by a lower court. For the Sudanese State to violate not only its interim constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter for Human and People's Rights and now a decision by one of the highest courts in its allegedly independent judiciary is inexcusable. In arresting Meriam and her family this morning, the al-Bashir Regime has once again confirmed its commitment to the violation, not the protection, of human rights and religious freedom, and the international community must respond immediately."  For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org  # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a human rights and faith-based organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information, please contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Meriam Ibrahim is free

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, her 22-month-old son, Martin, and 4-week-old daughter, Maya, from the Omdurman Federal Women's Prison have been released per an order issued by the Khartoum Court of Appeals. Ibrahim, a 27-year-old doctor and wife to American citizen, Daniel Wani, was sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery and death by hanging for apostasy on May 15, following her initial detention on February 17. Ibrahim's legal defense filed their client's case with the Khartoum Court of Appeals on May 22. The court formally convened a committee to deliberate on Ibrahim's appeal on June 1. The decision, delivered Monday, June 23, was issued later than expected by the defense. According to state media, the Court of Appeals ordered Ibrahim and her children be released and all charges filed against Ibrahim be dropped earlier this morning. SUNA, a state-sponsored radio broadcast in Sudan, reported that "the appeal court ordered the release of Mariam Yahia and the cancellation of the (previous) court ruling." In speaking with ICC this morning, Thabit Elzubir, a member of Ibrahim's legal defense, said, "[Meriam] has been released, she is out now and with her husband." Elzubir reported that Ibrahim, her children and husband have returned safely to their south Khartoum home. Though he did not make their intentions clear, Elzubir told ICC that the Ibrahims "may want to travel, but not right now." Elzubir, who appeared overwhelmed with joy over the day's proceedings, said, "Thank you so much for all of your support." The acquittal comes 10 days after protests co-hosted by ICC at the White House and Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. called for Meriam's release. On Thursday, 38 members of the United States House of Representatives wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry, asking him to further prioritize the case. Over the course of Ibrahim's detention, more than a million signatures calling for her release were gathered across the globe. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said, "We are incredibly pleased to hear that Meriam and her children have been released from the prison and are safe at home with their husband and father. For 126 days, Meriam and her son, Martin, suffered arbitrary detention for her Christian faith. Now that has come to an end, but the fight for the respect of religious freedom and human rights in Sudan has not. The government of Sudan still needs to be held accountable for the gross violation of Meriam's and her children's rights. No mother should be forced to birth in shackles, and no father should be barred from witnessing his daughter's birth for practicing their faith. Furthermore, the matter of the Ibrahims' future needs to be settled. It's our job now to ensure the United States and international community provide the next steps necessary to ensure the Ibrahims' long-term safety." For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org  # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Witnessing the last days of the Iraqi church?

Just over one week ago, the conflict in Syria spilled over into Iraq in dramatic fashion. The Islamic jihadist group the Islamic State in Iraq and Al-Shams (ISIS), moved in and quickly took hold of Mosul, Iraq's second largest city. More than any other group in the Syrian conflict, ISIS has set about to establish an Islamic state in the lands it controls. For any non-Sunnis the results have been catastrophic. It has driven the already dwindling Iraqi Christian community to seek refuge in the Kurdish controlled regions of northern Iraq. The Sunni extremist group, an offshoot of Al Qaeda, has taken control of large swaths of land stretching from Aleppo in northwestern Syria to central and southern Iraq. Where ISIS has solidified their control, like in Raqqa, Syria, they have implemented rules for Christians that resemble the "dhimmitude" of the 7th century. The offer of "Islam, tribute, or sword" has become common once again. Upon taking control of Mosul, ISIS published a  list of rules for the city. Included in the rules were restrictions on dress and diet, the institution of capital punishment, and places of conversion for any "khafir" or unbelievers who wanted to convert to avoid the punishment facing them. "One of their visions is to wipe out Christians completely from Mosul, either to drive them out or to kill them," an Iraqi pastor told International Christian Concern (ICC). "If Christians would stay they must either pay ransom or declare their faith in Islam," he continued. In the hours immediately following the attack on Mosul, reports emerged of churches being set on fire. Pictures can be seen of fire and smoke rising from the  St. Etchmiadzin Armenian church. ISIS has also looted the Church of the Holy Spirit and occupied the St. Benham monastery, according to the  Assyrian International News Agency (AINA). Fleeing to Safety or Gone for Good? As news of the attack on Mosul came in, thousands of  Christians were among the 500,000 Iraqi's streaming out of the city. Some of them fled into the surrounding villages, but most made their way into the Kurdish regions of northern Iraq, finding refuge in Erbil, Dohuk, and elsewhere. "The exodus has been triggered, above all, by the jihadists' reputation for bloodlust - a reputation that ISIS has consciously furthered through its own propaganda," Christian Caryl wrote in an article at Foreign Policy. ISIS has committed mass executions, mostly of Shi'a police and military officers. ISIS has showed evidence of loading hundreds of Shi'a Muslims into trucks to be driven outside the city and summarily executed. The Christian community fears that they also risk the same fate if they are found out. Speaking to ICC, a pastor in Northern Iraq shared that the entire congregation of a sister church in Mosul has now moved into their city. Upwards of a dozen families from one church community are now staying in homes, in the churches, or wherever they can find shelter. Housing prices have already increased by more than 50 percent as demand is skyrocketing. The lingering question for many, even in the Iraqi community, is if Christians will ever go back. Just more than a decade ago, there were nearly 1.5 million Christians in Iraq. For the past 2,000 years the Iraqi church has been the homeland of a variety of  Eastern Christian denominations. The violence of the past decade and the persecution that Christians and religious minorities are suffering has nearly destroyed that community entirely. With the latest wave of violence, the worst fears of international observers were realized. The ongoing instability and random violence is now augmented by a well-armed and well-funded extremist group explicitly set on establishing an Islamic state in the homeland of Iraq's Christian community. "In other words, the religious cleansing of Christians from Iraq is entering the end game," Nina Shea wrote in the days following the fall of Mosul. The few hundred thousand Christians who are left in Iraq have showed incredible resilience in staying to the end. The church is determined to persevere, yet they hope that their suffering is not going unnoticed. They are crying out for the outside world to stand with them. Patriarch Louis Sako expressed the feelings of many when he said: "We feel forgotten and isolated. We sometimes wonder, if they kill us all, what would be the reaction of Christians in the West? Would they do something then?" These words were recounted in a Pledge of Solidarity and a Call to Action on behalf Middle Eastern Christians and religious minorities that nearly 300 religious leaders signed on May 7, 2014. With this latest wave attacks, the time to demonstrate that solidarity is now. The Iraqi church must see that they are not forgotten and that the Christian community around the world will do something.  --- ICC has launched a campaign to provide aid to the Iraqi church to assist those in need who have fled from the attacks. Go here to find out more and donate: Iraqi Crisis Response For interviews, contact Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East:  RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington, D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.