Iraq: 'In the early hours of Saturday 16th October five churches in Baghdad were damaged by bombs. Nobody was hurt but all the buildings were damaged, at least one of them very seriously as a fire started. Despite the attacks morning services were held in one of the damaged buildings, including the baptism of the son of the caretaker.

However, the Synod of the Chaldean Church, the largest Church in Iraq, scheduled for 19th to 21st October has been cancelled due to the deteriorating security situation.

There are credible reports of violence against Christians elsewhere in Iraq, notably in the city of Mosul. Incidents include armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom, with victims killed if their family is unwilling or unable to pay what the kidnappers demand.

The Christian communities are especially vulnerable to "kidnapping for ransom" due to their perceived links with the West supposedly giving them access to money. Another reason that makes them more likely to be the victims of violent crime than the rest of Iraqi society is that they are a minority that does not use violence and have no larger tribe to protect them, meaning that there will not be revenge attacks.

There is widespread fear amongst the Christian communities.

Christian leaders in Iraq have called on Christians world-wide to pray for them, asking that they and their congregations will be able to remain in the land where their ancestors have lived for generations. They ask us to pray that stability returns, and that Iraqi people of all faiths will resume living peacefully side-by-side.

In stark contrast, there are also stories of growing fellowships, especially those whose buildings are not distinctive, traditional church buildings. One fellowship is out-growing its meeting place and wants to plant a new fellowship in a different suburb. Let us rejoice that there is new life in places amidst the troubles, and pray that new believers are well taught in the faith.' (Middle East Concern)