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Many of Iraq's estimated 600,000 Christians fear for their futures. Under Saddam, they were free to worship and import Bibles and Christian literature (CT, Nov. 18, 2002, p. 34). But some leaders of Iraq's Shi'ite Muslim majority are demanding an Iran-style Islamic state. Some Iraqi Christians have reported that anti-Christian rhetoric has dominated Friday prayers at some mosques in Baghdad.

"Arab Christians have been accused of being 'entities of the West,'" said Gustavo Crocker, senior vice president of programs at World Relief, the humanitarian agency of the National Association of Evangelicals. "By our enabling them to show the love of Christ, we are also strengthening the position of the church in the region."

Dawn Herzog edits World Pulse, published by the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. Deann Alford writes for the Compass Direct news service.

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

For more coverage on the relief efforts in Iraq, commentary and thought on just war, or Christian debate, see our CTWar in Iraq archive. For relevant articles on the war from news agencies around the globe, see CT's updated war links page.

A downloadable Bible study on the implications of the war with Iraq is available at CurrentIssuesBibleStudy.com. These unique Bible studies use articles from current issues of Christianity Today to prompt thought-provoking discussions in adult Sunday school classes or small groups.

Recent related Christianity Today articles and commentary on Iraq include:

What's the Difference Between Shi'ah and Sunni? | With a history of persecution and belief in martyrdom, the Shi'ite Muslim majority in Iraq may be more receptive to Christianity. (April 30, 2003)

Christian History Corner: Missionary Tales from the Iraqi Front | The modern Anglican mission to Iraq met with initial success, but its story sounds a cautionary note. (April 25, 2003)

Before the Refugee Dam Breaks | Agencies prepare to help up to 900,000 people in Iraq War. (April 24, 2003)

As Baghdad Falls, Agencies Brace for Flood of Work | Aid and mine removal teams could move into Iraq within days. (April 11, 2003)

Mixing Iraq Aid and the Gospel Stirs Debate | Critics say proselytizing can reflect negatively on other relief groups and governments. (April 4, 2003)

Relief Agencies Prepare to Help Iraqi Refugees | Meanwhile Christians in Baghdad fear the worst. (March 26, 2003)

Evangelicals Plan to Minister to Iraqis' Needs—Physical and Spiritual | Evangelism efforts will join relief work, say Southern Baptist Convention and Samaritan's Purse. (March 27, 2003)

Speaking Out: Where Do We Go From Here? | Now that the bombs are falling, we'll need to repair Iraq—and our nation's moral standing. (March 21, 2003)

CT Classic: Weeping over Baghdad | Desert Storm cost Iraq thousands of lives. At its conclusion, a Christianity Today editorial called for the church to deal with the living souls that remained. (March 21, 2003)

Keeping Their Heads Down | Vital but dwindling Christians face many pressures. (Nov. 8, 2002)

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June 2003, Vol. 47, No. 6