Release International

Two bomb attacks on one day have dismayed Christians in Mosul – but believers in Baghdad are said to be 'cautiously optimistic' about security in the capital.

The Church of Saint Ephrem in the northern city of Mosul was completely destroyed on November 26 when a gang ordered its congregation to leave, planted explosives around the building then detonated them. Half-an-hour later, more explosives were detonated at a convent in the same city. Although five Christians were in the convent, no one was injured.

The attack has dispelled any hope among Mosul believers that security has improved since a spate of attacks on Christians last autumn. However, the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) Australia reports that some Christians who fled Baghdad after the fall of Saddam Hussein are now returning home, encouraged by what they see as improved security in the city.

VOM Australia reports, however, that many Christian families returning to Baghdad are 'broke' and are forced to share small houses with other families.

(Sources: Aid to the Church in Need, AsiaNews, VOM Australia, VOM Canada)

• Thank God that no one was injured in the Mosul bomb attacks.
• Ask God to fill His people in Iraq with His peace.

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