Assyrian Church of the East and Chaldean Catholic Church School in Baghdad Becomes 82 Percent Muslim

Father Douglas al-Bazi, the Chaldean Catholic priest who oversees St. Elia Catholic school in East Baghdad, describes a neighborhood that has undergone dramatic transformation. Once a mixed community with a significant Christian presence, the area is now predominantly Shiite, with the school surrounded by Muslim families. The school, which serves children from kindergarten to sixth grade, has seen a shift in its student body, with 82 percent now Muslim.

The change reflects broader trends of sectarian violence and the exodus of Christians from Iraq. The school, located in the working-class neighborhood of New Baghdad, was once home to 2,500 Christian families before the war. However, intense ethnic conflict has left the area largely Muslim, with the school now serving a majority of Muslim students.

Father al-Bazi recounts how Muslim neighbors have shown solidarity with the Christian community, offering assistance during times of crisis. He recalls a moment when Muslim neighbors called to offer help during a hostage situation, emphasizing their shared sense of community and mutual protection. “Our neighbors here say if someone touches you that means they touch us,” he says.

The school’s curriculum includes subjects such as English, French, and Assyrian, reflecting the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Chaldean Christian community. Despite the shift in student demographics, the school continues to operate with a focus on academics, music, and sports. Four of the 53 teachers are Muslim, and they teach the Koran as required by government regulations.

The community’s resilience is evident in the efforts of individuals like George Meti Boutros, an Arabic teacher who survived an attack on Our Lady of Salvation church in Karrada. He notes that his Muslim neighbors welcomed him back to his neighborhood, highlighting the enduring bonds of cooperation and mutual respect.

The situation underscores the complex interplay of sectarian tensions and the challenges faced by religious minorities in Iraq. Christians and Muslims alike attribute the violence to political manipulation and external influences, emphasizing their shared history of coexistence. The school remains a symbol of this fragile coexistence, navigating the challenges of a divided society.

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