Iraq

What does persecution look like in Iraq?

Historical and Evangelical churches alike in Iraq face threats of violence, intolerance and discrimination, especially from Islamic extremists and non-Christian leaders. They also experience discrimination from government agencies. Iraqi Christians who convert from Islam face pressure from their families and society and risk violence and loss of rights.

The main pressure on Iraqi Christians comes from Iranian-backed Shia militias. Turkish and Iranian military operations in Iraqi Kurdistan, targeting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), have severely damaged Christian villages, driving many believers from their homes. In April 2025, an attack was carried out by a supporter of the Islamic State group during an Assyrian New Year parade, injuring two Christians. In addition, Christian civilians in Iraq repeatedly report seizures of their property by influential political, economic and social groups. This is a problem the Iraqi government has struggled to resolve for more than two decades. Finally, three converts from Islam to Christianity were killed for their faith.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Churches face violations from Islamic extremists and non-Christian leaders, plus government discrimination. In central and southern Iraq, Christians often hide symbols such as the cross to avoid harassment at checkpoints, universities, workplaces or government buildings. Outspoken Christians risk being targeted in central and southern Iraq, with blasphemy laws used against those suspected of outreach. Evangelical groups lack the legal framework to establish Bible schools or register foreign support organisations.

Converts from Islam face strong pressure from family and often hide their faith to head off threats from relatives, tribal leaders and society. Even changing churches, such as from Orthodox to Evangelical, can lead to loss of rights or unemployment.

Meet "Yasin"

"In June, I woke up in the morning and found another threatening letter outside: ‘Stop what you’re doing, or we will kill you.’"

"Yasin", a believer from a Muslim background in Iraq.

What has changed this year?

Christian persecution in Iraq remains similar to last year. In short, Christians struggle to follow Jesus openly and freely. Due to ongoing challenges to political representation, in February 2025 some historical Christian groups called for the withdrawal of militias and special voting rights to help protect religious minorities. This year saw some violence against Christians, especially converts from Islam. There were also ongoing difficulties as the Christian community comes to terms with the drastic reduction in the number of believers since Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) occupied parts of the country.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Iraq?

In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors supports the church in Iraq through presence ministry, training, Bible/Christian literature distribution, prayer support, crisis aid and socio-economic development.

How can you pray for Iraq?

• Converting to Christianity from Islam can have terrible consequences in Iraq. Ask God to protect these converts from harm – and to help them know they are not alone.
• The church in Iraq is still working to reestablish itself, almost a decade after Islamic State group militants inflicted generational trauma. Pray that believers would be able to be salt and light and that God would bless those called to stay.
• In a stark reminder that Islamic extremism is still alive in Iraq, a man with ties to IS attacked Christians in April 2025. Pray for the victims and that the roots of this hatred would be changed by Jesus’ overwhelming love.