Even with Saddam captured, priest sees trouble for Iraqi Christians

Published: 2003-12-16

EL CAJON, Calif. (CNS) -- The capture of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was greeted with joy by Iraqis in San Diego, but the joy was mixed with anxiety about the future of Christians living in Iraq. San Diego is home to the second largest community of Iraqi Christians in the United States, and is the seat of one of two Chaldean eparchies, or dioceses, in the United States. "We have a Christmas gift before Christmas," said Father Michael Bazzi, pastor of St. Peter's Cathedral, the Chaldean Catholic parish in El Cajon. "That person hurt Christianity so much in Iraq," he added. Father Bazzi believes Saddam's capture will do little, however, to end what he fears is growing discrimination against Christians in Iraq. Today, Islam is the de facto law of the land, imposed on every person, regardless of religious affiliation. And the laws of Islam often run counter to the laws of Christianity, particularly with respect to women, said Father Bazzi in an interview with The Southern Cross, newspaper of the Latin-rite Diocese of San Diego.

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