New church bombings in Iraq; nervous Christians plan quiet Christmas

December 23, 2009

Two Christian churches in Mosul have been struck by bombers, continuing a campaign of intimidation that Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk has characterized as the “ethnic and religious cleansing” of Iraq. Three people were killed and several others wounded in the December 23 attacks—adding to the casualty list that had included one child killed and 40 people injured in bombings at churches a week earlier.

In Basra, Chaldean Catholic Bishop Imad al Banna asked the faithful “not to display their joy, not to publicly celebrate the feast of the Nativity,” because of fears that they might provoke a hostile reaction from the Shi’ite majority in that city.

 

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Further information:

• Mosul attacks on two Christian churches, three dead and several injured (AsiaNews)
• A quiet Christmas for Christians in Iraq (Washington Post)
• Iraqi bishop sees 'ethnic cleansing' of Christian minority in Mosul (CWN, 12/16)