Iraq's Christians have been here since the time of Christ. The Apostle Thomas preached in these lands. Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, is still spoken in Iraqi churches. This is Christianity's ancestral homeland.
ISIS tried to exterminate them completely.
Today, fewer than 250,000 remain. Over 80% have been killed, driven out, or disappeared. Entire ancient Christian communities that survived 2,000 years of history were erased in months.
The heartland of Iraqi Christianity. They gave Christians three choices: convert to Islam, pay the jizya tax, or die. Most fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Those who stayed were enslaved, executed, or sold. ISIS destroyed over 100 churches, burning ancient manuscripts, smashing 1,800-year-old artifacts, and bulldozing monasteries that predated Islam by centuries.
The heartland of Iraqi Christianity. They gave Christians three choices: convert to Islam, pay the jizya tax, or die. Most fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Those who stayed were enslaved, executed, or sold. ISIS destroyed over 100 churches, burning ancient manuscripts, smashing 1,800-year-old artifacts, and bulldozing monasteries that predated Islam by centuries.
ISIS occupied Iraq's largest Christian town for two years. Every church was destroyed. Christian homes were marked with the Arabic letter "N" for Nazarene. When Iraqi forces liberated the city in 2016, they found mass graves. The city was empty. 50,000 Christians had fled. Most never returned.
Was murdered outside his church in Mosul in 2007 along with three deacons. Gunmen waited until Mass ended, then opened fire. His crime was refusing to close his church.
Was murdered outside his church in Mosul in 2007 along with three deacons. Gunmen waited until Mass ended, then opened fire. His crime was refusing to close his church.
Baghdad, 2010: ISIS terrorists stormed Our Lady of Salvation Church during evening Mass, taking 120 hostages. They executed the priests on the altar. When Iraqi forces stormed the building, the terrorists detonated suicide vests. 58 Christians died. The church ran red with blood.
Shepherds Shieldprovides emergency evacuations for Christians under imminent threat through our partner network. We operate safe houses across Iraq. We supply priests with food, medicine, and security in ISIS-affected regions where they refuse to abandon their flocks.
We documentevery massacre, every destroyed church, every act of genocide. We preserve evidence for international courts prosecuting ISIS war crimes.
We fundchurch reconstruction. Not just buildings, but the rebirth of communities ISIS tried to destroy.
Become a sustaining supporter providing reliable funding for ongoing operations
Support rapid deployment when communities face acute crises
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