‘Thank God we are alive’: Iraqi Christians hold on to faith in face of ISIS persecution
Imagine yourself having to leave your home and all your belongings in the dead of night to escape from the hands of extremist militants. Imagine having to endure eight to 10 hours of walking in the dark as you seek refuge.
This situation has become prevalent among thousands Iraqi Christians being persecuted and threatened by the jihadist organisation Islamic State. Despite their hardship and the constant threat of danger, they are still thankful to God for keeping them safe and alive.
Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda bore witness to the strong faith of these persecuted Christians in Iraq. He supervises an archdiocese in Erbil located in northern Iraq, where over 100,000 Christians have fled to escape from ISIS capture, slavery or death.