Update on Iraqi Law Change

Yesterday, we asked you to pray for Christians in Iraq, who were facing a major law change in regards to children and religion.

As an update to this, the Iraqi parliament has decided to amend the Constitution and reverse this change, in response to to a hard fought campaign by representatives of minority religions, and led by the Christian community.

This means that the children of Christians and other minorities will be able to remain in the religion of birth up to 18 years old, when they can decide personally about their faith.

The Chaldean Patriarch caldeo, Mar Louis Raphael I Sako, told AsiaNews: “I am deeply satisfied with the Iraqi parliament’s decision to change” the controversial article 26 of the Constitution on the Islamisation of children. This decision shows support, and is an important message for the minorities [Christians] in Iraq. It is also a clear demonstration of democracy”

For the Iraqi Christian community it is an act of “justice” and “equality”, which really puts all citizens on the same level, as well as a key step in the direction “of freedom and democracy in Iraq.”

• Give thanks for the reversal of the law, and for the fact that the government listened to the voices of minority groups, especially Christians, in Iraq.
• Pray for ongoing freedom of religion in Iraq, and for protection for Christians from those who seek to persecute and oppress them.
• Pray for peace in Iraq, for stable government and wise leadership in a time of conflict and pressure, bot politically and spiritually.

Psalm 32 vs 6: “Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them”

Source: http://www.asianews.it