Assyrian Church of the East and Chaldean Catholic Church Face Decline in Post-2003 Iraq

The Christian communities of Iraq, once a significant presence in the country, have faced dramatic decline since the 2003 ouster of Saddam Hussein. According to the CIA World Factbook, the Christian population may have dropped by as much as 50%, with estimates suggesting a more severe decline of 70% — from 850,000 pre-war to 250,000 today. The number of church buildings has also plummeted, with only about 57 remaining of the approximately 300 that existed before the war.

Christianity in Iraq dates back over 2,000 years, with the Assyrian Church of the East being the oldest, established in the 2nd century AD. The Chaldean Catholic Church, which emerged in the 16th century, was firmly established in the 19th century when many Assyrians accepted the authority of the Pope and split from the Assyrian mother church. These two churches, along with the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Syriac Catholic Church, and the Armenian Church, form the main Christian denominations in Iraq today.

Herman Teule, Professor of Eastern Christianity at Radboud University, examined the historical and contemporary situation of these communities. He highlighted the complex relationships these churches have had with the state, including under Saddam Hussein’s regime. Teule noted that the Assyrian Democratic Movement (ADM), formed in 1979, was the first secular Christian political party in the region. The ADM aimed to unite Assyrians under a common ethnic identity, creating a third ethnic group alongside Arabs and Kurds.

Teule’s analysis revealed that the Christian political movement in Iraq sought to transcend traditional ecclesiastical divisions. By advocating for a shared Assyrian identity, the movement aimed to foster unity among the various church communities. This effort reflected a broader desire to assert the presence and rights of Christians in a predominantly Muslim society.

The decline of Christian communities in Iraq has been marked by violence, displacement, and the loss of religious and cultural landmarks. The churches, which have long served as centers of worship and community life, have faced increasing threats. The situation underscores the challenges faced by religious minorities in post-war Iraq, where sectarian tensions and political instability have contributed to the erosion of Christian populations.

The story of the Christians in Iraq reflects the broader struggle of religious minorities to preserve their identity and presence in a region marked by conflict and change. Their resilience and efforts to maintain community and faith offer a testament to the enduring nature of religious life, even in the face of significant adversity. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility in service, themes that resonate with the experiences of these communities.

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