Iraqi archbishop says insecurity causes fear among Christians

Published: 2003-10-28

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Christians in Iraq feel free to practice their faith and attend Mass, but the insecurity is causing fear among church members, said Latin-rite Archbishop Jean Sleiman of Baghdad. "People are afraid of becoming a victim of violence," the archbishop said during a visit to Lebanon, his homeland. He also said Christians need to see living in the Middle East as a mission. "I think many (Iraqi Christians) are dreaming of leaving," he said. "Some have left, but it's difficult now, because they need passports, visas and money. I think Christians of the Middle East have to be resigned to their mission in the Middle East," he said. "This country (Iraq) needs Christianity. Otherwise, it will be a desert." Although many Christians in the Middle East feel that their situations might improve if they moved to a Western country, Archbishop Sleiman said, "I think that Arab Christians have to be sure that God waits for them in the Middle East and not in other countries."

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