Resistance group Thursday, August 25, of encouraging a new wave of "violence and hatred" towards Iraq’s minority Christians. The statement came after the Iraqi Resistance, which claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks, blamed CFI and other "American missionaries" of "pushing efforts at Christianization in Iraq under the protection of the US military occupation of Baghdad."
In a report on a website linked to the group, writer Muhammad Abu Nasr said the Bible Society "has been distributing thousands of Bibles in Arabic in Iraq in conjunction with other missionary organizations" such as US-based CFI, World Compassion, World Evangelical Alliance, and Campus Crusade for Christ.
Iraqi Resistance also accused them of "a program to indoctrinate children according to the Bible Society’s religious views" and expressed concern about "activities such as a ‘Year of the Bible’ – a series of discussions and classes to [be] held for Christians and church leaders."
INCITING VIOLENCE
CFI President Jim Jacobson blamed Nasr for "trying to incite violence and hatred toward Iraq’s oppressed minority Christians and those who help them." At least dozens of Christians were killed or injured in attacks against them since American President George W. Bush declared "major combat operations" in Iraq "over" in May 2003.
In a statement to BosNewsLife News Center, Jacobson stressed "there is no precondition for anyone to convert to Christianity in order to receive a blanket, a can of soup or other much needed supplies," and he condemned those suggesting otherwise.
Jacobson admitted that CFI "send Arabic language Bibles," but said "this is because the Bibles are in great demand and requested by Iraqi Christians. Christian Freedom International and other Christian organizations are simply responding to the enormous needs of the people of Iraq with a helping hand."
CONSTITUTION CONTROVERSIAL
The controversy comes as Iraqi leaders continue to debate a draft constitution which Christian rights groups fear will make Islam "a source" of all legislation in the country. Despite political tensions over the wording of the document, native missionaries have suggested there is growing interest among Muslims in Christianity.
"Over the past year alone, Iraqi missionaries have set up a discipleship school in one of Iraq’s largest cities and a training conference for new believers in the north," said Christian Aid Mission (CAM), which supports local missionaries.
"They have also begun offering Bible studies specifically for women. Mercy outreaches in
some of the areas hardest-hit by war are drawing many to Christ as missionaries distribute food, clothing and other necessities," CAM told BosNewsLife News Center.
It claimed that "through this ministry’s efforts" and new cell groups "this past year 72 Iraqis made decisions to follow Christ." Church leaders and missionaries have told BosNewsLife in Baghdad they too noticed a growing openness among ordinary Muslims for the Gospel. (With BosNewsLife Chief International Correspondent Stefan J. Bos).
