News by email Donate

Suggestions

iraq-refugees-main_article_image.jpg
REX/ZUMA
World News

5 out of 6 Christians have fled Iraq since 2003

by Hannah Tooley

Anti-persecution charity Open Doors is pushing the government to aid faith leaders in Iraq and Syria to better-help Christians that have remained in the Middle East and are not taking refuge in the organised refugee camps.

Lisa Pearce, from anti-persecution charity Open Doors, told Premier half of the Christians in Syria have left the country since 2010.

She told Premier the people that stay are "fully aware of the risks they are under," but remain to "serve those around them."

AP Photo/SANA

Open Doors is asking the government to use Christian and Muslim faith leaders to distribute aid through their networks, as well as through the usual channels like non-governmental organisations and the United Nations, because many Christians are too fearful of persecution to go near organised refugee camps. 

Open Doors is calling for:
- Christians' and other minorities' right to equal citizenship
- Dignified living conditions for all
- A role in reconciliation and rebuilding society.

Rami, a Syrian Christian, told Premier people do not want to be seen as victims, "I ask you not to call us a minority," he said.

Christians are "indigenous to the land," he said many people are hopeful and want to stay and help rebuild their country.

"Christians I know, given the choice, would rather stay in the Middle East," he said.

He said he knows believers with degrees and visas to live in Europe that are remaining because they want to "build their future."

Rami told Premier people feel "betrayed" by their neighbours and mistrust is growing amongst communities.

He asked the UK government to help protect Christians so that they do not become hopeless.

AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Rami here:

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Lisa Pearce here:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate