IRAQI CHURCH LEADERS FEAR IMPOSITION OF ISLAMIC LAW
By Jeremy Reynalds (07/22/05)
A letter signed by the leaders of nine Christian denominations in Iraq pleads that the new constitution should ensure the equality of all faiths in Iraq.
The leaders' concerns arise from reports that the Shi'a majority is pushing for Islamic law (shari'a) to be enshrined in the constitution.
According to an e-mail from the Barnabas Fund, the letter reads in part, "If there is a move towards the confirmation of the role of the Islamic religion in Iraqi society, then it is only natural to confirm the role of other religions that have been historically established in Iraq. We are only asking for … equality, freedom and equal opportunities and the prevention of racial, religious and denominational discrimination."
A draft constitution is currently being prepared by a sub-committee of the Iraqi Assembly, which must be completed by Aug. 15. Following that, the draft will be evaluated and possibly revised by the Assembly.
Church leaders are fearful, the Barnabas Fund reported, that if shari'a is given a place in the constitution, Christians and other non-Muslims will face the same kind of discrimination and second-class status which they experience in other countries where shari'a law is in effect (www.bible.ca/islam/islam-kills-islamic-law-shariah.htm). Iraq would become an Islamic state.
According to the Barnabas Fund, Bishop Andreas Abouna, who presented the letter, said a pro-shari'a constitution would result in such a massive exodus of Christians from Iraq that the Christian presence could practically disappear. There have been Christians in Iraq since the first century AD.
More information is available on this issue at www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=39754&SelectRegion=Iraq_Crisis&SelectCountry=IRAQ%20.
The Barnabas Fund works to support Christian communities mainly, but not exclusively, in the Islamic world.
For more information go to www.barnabasfund.org
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