Group Calls for Obama Administration to Protect Christians and Other Religious Minorities in Iraq
The Christian Defense Coalition states if America does not address this issue, the public expression of Christianity in Iraq will be exterminated.
Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2011 /
Christian Newswire/ -- The Christian Defense Coalition prays that President Obama will raise the issue of persecution of religious minorities when he meets with Prime Minister Maliki today at the White House.
Less than 15 years ago, there were 1.6 million Christians in Iraq. Today there are less than 400,000. The tragic reality is, America's military intervention in Iraq, without a plan to protect Christians, has resulted in this horrible persecution and oppression.
The Christian Defense Coalition led a delegation to meet with Prime Minister Maliki in Baghdad to discuss and pray for the plight of persecuted Christians in Iraq in 2007 (photo Rev. Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney and Prime Minister Maliki in Baghdad).
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition and leader of the delegation to Iraq, states:
"We call upon President Obama to passionately address the issue of the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq when he meets with Prime Minister Maliki today.
"The truth is, if the Obama Administration does not confront this crushing of human rights and religious freedom in Iraq the public expression of Christianity will be exterminated in that country. If that happens, the United States will have to shoulder much of the blame because our military intervention into Iraq created an environment for this horrible religious persecution.
"How can we pull out of Iraq without a clear plan for protecting Christians and other religious minorities? America must realize that this horrible extermination of Christians is directly related to our failure in ensuring their safety.
"It is a tragedy that America's involvement in Iraq did not bring liberation for Christians but brutality, oppression and possible extinction.
"We cannot abandon them. We must do better."
For more information or interviews call: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741
