Nineveh Plains Christians Defend Against the Babiliyoun Militia

Author: Yaqoub Beth-Addai

Publication Date: 16/3/2023

Source: Washington Institute

On March 11, 2023, protests broke out in the Iraqi town of Baghdeda (aka Qaraqosh) in the Hamdaniya district of the Nineveh Plains, with the local Christian population rebuffing an attempted takeover by the militia Kataib Babiliyoun (KB), the 50th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The proximate cause of the clash was an effort by KB commander Osama al-Kildani, brother of the U.S.-designated human rights abuser Rayan al-Kildani, to take command of a base belonging to the Emergency Response Unit of the Nineveh Plains Protection Units (NPU), an approximately 500-strong Christian regiment made up of local men.

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Christian leaders in Syria call for the end of ‘unjust’ sanctions

Publication Date: 9/2/2023

Source: The Catholic Leader

THREE prominent Christian leaders in Syria issued a joint statement calling for an end to sanctions impacting relief aid to earthquake victims.

The February 7 letter was signed by Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Youssef I, Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X.

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At “Living Together” celebration in Bagdad, religious and ethnic leaders see “with our own eyes what diversity means”

Publication Date: 7/3/2023

Source: World Council of Churches

The consultation, organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in partnership with its member churches and partners, follows other WCC-led events supporting the local communities and promoting social cohesion through inter-religious collaboration.

The consultation continues the WCC’s work on promoting inclusive citizenship through education, legislation and media.

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Christians Unite for Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria

Author: Aj Paz

Publication Date: 8/2/2023

Source: Christianity Daily

As the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Syria unfolds, the country continues to mourn from the destruction it has brought upon their homes and communities. According to The Guardian, the death toll in Syria alone has reached a heartbreaking 2,470, and the combined death toll, including those in surrounding areas, stands at 8,704.

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Visiting Churches: A Tradition for Muslim Families in Iraq

Publication Date: 15/3/2023

Source: Syriac Press

In Iraq, it is not uncommon for Muslim families to visit churches for various reasons, such as seeking blessings, healing, or praying for prosperity. Recently, Rudaw Media Network reported that many Muslim families, particularly women and girls, have been visiting the Syriac Catholic Church of Jesus Sacred Heart in Basra, Southern Iraq, which reflects the strong community cohesion in the area.

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Christian leaders in Syria call for an end to ‘unjust’ sanctions that they say hamper aid to the needy

Author: Jonah McKeown

Publication Date: 8/2/2023

Source: Catholic News Agency

Three prominent Christian leaders in Syria issued a joint letter Tuesday calling for an end to sanctions against Syria, which they say are unjustly preventing vital aid from reaching the people most affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the region earlier this week.

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Iraq alcohol ban: Christian political party appeals, saying it is undemocratic

Author: Sam Hancock

Publication Date: 6/3/2023

Source: BBC

Christian politicians in Iraq are attempting to overturn legislation banning the import and sale of alcohol.

Customs officials were given orders on Saturday to enforce the ban. It became law last month despite opposition.

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Turkish and Syrian Christians Rally Relief After Earthquake Kills 20,000

Author: Jayson Casper

Publication Date: 7/2/2023

Source: Christianity Today

Local Christians were among the first responders to the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria that left more than 20,000 people dead and tens of thousands injured [as of February 9]. They just don’t know how to make sense of it.

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Turkey’s Small Christian Community Prepares for Long-Haul Ministry

Author: Jamie Dean

Publication Date: 8/2/2023

Source: Radical

In Turkey’s devastated earthquake zone, the temperatures are falling, the death toll is rising, and the country’s small population of Christians are praying, grieving, and mobilizing.

Rescue workers raced to find survivors trapped in mountains of rubble after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey along its border with Syria on Monday morning and a 7.5-magnitude aftershock followed hours later.

Officials reported at least 14,251 people dead in Turkey and 3,100 dead in Syria, but the toll could reach far higher as the window for reaching victims narrows. The World Health Organization warned deaths could exceed 20,000.

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Syria: Structural damage to Christian places of worship from 7.8-magnitude quake

Author: Dale Gavlak

Publication Date: 7/2/2023

Source: Abouna

Catholic and other humanitarian agencies are calling Monday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake and a second tremor striking southern Turkey and northern Syria “tragic” and are appealing for aid.

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