I found the following Dutch-language piece by way of a Dutch Reformed e-mail list. The English translation below is a combination of the translation provided by the list and worldlingo.com.
Church Growth ExplosiveBAGDAD -- The number of church members in Iraq has risen explosively since the demise of the regime of Saddam Hussein. In several places in the country this has resulted in tension between Christians and Muslims, as reported by several Iraqi church leaders to the ANP (Dutch Press Agency).
It is almost a year ago that an end came to the regime of Hussein. 'Many Iraqi's had been plagued with questions, but were afraid to ask them', said Y. Yousif, a leader of the Evangelical Free Church. 'Under Saddam, it was forbidden to change religion. Many people are seeking for the truth and now find it in the Christian church.'
Especially the evangelical churches have experienced tremendous growth. Before the American-British Coalition invaded Iraq, only one evangelical church had been permitted in the country. Now, twelve new congregations have arisen in the Iraqi capital alone.
Muslims are not impressed with the growth of churches. Muslims who convert to Christianity are often rejected by their families. 'They stand alone in almost all circumstances,' said preacher A. Athneal, who started a Kurdish church. 'The church has no way other besides prayer to help them. Church leaders can also become targets of certain Muslim families. I have received two death threats myself,' said Athneal.
The church leaders say that they do not fear the possible establishment of Sharia (very strict Islamic law). 'The Americans would not allow it,' suggested the Syrian-orthodox priest A. Hana. He added 'And they will always have a big influence here.'
ANP (Dutch Press Agency)
Comments