Several groups call for relief for Iraqi Christians

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Several groups are calling for improved treatment of Christians in Iraq, whom they say are being martyred, persecuted or forced to flee the country in order to survive.

Julia Sorisho Rodgers of Christians for Assyrians of Iraq (CAI) said among the atrocities are the bombing of more than 15 churches, the kidnapping and murder of 13 Assyrian women in Baghdad in August 2006 and the beheading of a priest in Mosul in October 2006.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged granting refugee status to the persecuted believers.

But concern for Iraqi Christians extends beyond refugee status. At least two groups have started electronic petitions calling for special protection of religious minorities. CAI started its petition in mid-November 2006. The Canadian-based Council for Assyrian Research and Development has also posted a petition.

Both call for creating a special administrative unit in northern Iraq. CAI says that will allow Assyrians and other Christians to practice their faith, speak and teach their language and work their land without fear of persecution.