Prayers Near White House For Iraqi Christians Amid Deadly Violence

February 14, 2011
Posted by
The Voice of the Martyrs

Christian Newswire is reporting that there is a prayer vigil happening outside of the White House today for Iraqi Christians.

Here's part of the press release:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Faith organizations plan to hold a prayer vigil in front of the White House in support of persecuted Christians and religious freedom for all in Iraq. The groups will be joined by staff from the Embassy of Iraq and Christians in Iraq via a conference call.
 
The prayer vigil will be on Monday, February 14, at 11:00 A.M., in front of the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
 
This prayer event begins the observance of "The Rogation of the Ninevites" which is one the oldest traditions in Christianity. The "Rogation" finds its ancient roots in the Prophet Jonah and is observed by Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac Christians in Iraq and around the world.
 
The "Rogation" is February 14-16 and includes 3 days of fasting, prayer and repentance. There will be "Rogation" observances all across America praying for religious freedom in Iraq. The groups will also be praying for religious freedom and liberty in Iraq for all religious minorities.

BosNewsLife adds...

Just 10 days after the siege, a series of attacks against Christian shops and homes in Baghdad killed six and left 33 wounded. And on December 31, violence against 15 Christian homes in several Baghdad neighborhoods left two dead, further boosting the number of refugees.

Between at least 750,000 and 1.2 million Christians lived in Iraq before the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003, but that figure now is estimated by Christian leaders at 400,000, French news agency AFP reported.

Arab leaders have officially said Christians are equal members of society in the region and deserve equal protection.

However church leaders in Baghdad say despite pledges from top Iraqi government officials that security will improve, Christians are afraid and are leaving the country.