Christians in Iraq need our prayers. The U.S. government, while it has a military presence, needs to insure their safety. From OneNewsNow:
John Eibner, who heads a worldwide Christian human rights
group, says although the U.S.-led military surge is reducing violence
overall in Iraq, the situation for Christians is still tense and
dangerous.
A
Catholic archbishop was recently kidnapped in eastern Mosul, and his
two bodyguards -- who were both Christian -- were shot and killed. This
is the latest in a long line of violent acts targeting Christians
throughout Iraq. Since the fall of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, more
than 400,000 Christians have been forced to flee the country.
Dr. John Eibner, CEO of Christian Solidarity International,
encourages believers in the U.S. to call on the government to ensure
that Christians in Iraq are protected. "We have a special
responsibility because we are in a position to make a difference," says
Eibner. "It's now or never, and we have to pull out all stops if we're
going to fulfill our obligations as members of the body of Christ, to
help the other parts of the body that are suffering."
Christians are not simply caught in the middle of the crossfire, notes
Eibner, but are actually targeted for death, and are also discriminated
against on a regular basis. He says some Christians even receive
letters that demand they convert to Islam or face death.
Eibner believes as long as U.S.-led forces are still in the country, it
is the responsibility of the United States to ensure that Christians
and other religious minorities are safe.