Release International

The ongoing assault on Iraq's Christian community has claimed two more lives – in stark contrast to declining levels of general violence in the country.

An elderly couple were killed in their home in Baghdad last Sunday, bringing to more than 70 the total number of Christians killed in the capital since early November. At least ten Christians were murdered in the northern city of Mosul in the second half of November, according to religious rights group Middle East Concern.

This spate of attacks on Christians coincides with what appears to be a decline in the overall level of general violence. November had the lowest monthly toll of killings across Iraq for more than a year.

Despite their fear and insecurity, dozens of Christians gathered to pray in Baghdad's Our Lady of Salvation Church yesterday, to mark 40 days since the militants' siege of their building which left 53 Christians dead (Prayer Alert, November 3, 2010). Many of those at the service yesterday were reported to be survivors of the siege on October 31 – or relatives of those who died. Two priests were among the dead.

Hundreds of people were expected to attend another service in the church today.

(Sources: Agence France-Presse, International Christian Concern, Middle East Concern)
 

• Continue to pray for the congregation of Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad and for the relatives of all those Christians killed in Baghdad and Mosul in recent weeks.

• Ask God to protect and strengthen the faith of Iraq's church, amid the continuing threat of violence.

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