Politics
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Question
What ways does the government discriminate against you?
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Answer
James: In recent years the government is using a new technique. Officials identify MBBs to fundamentalists who issue threats. Christians have their homes burned. They are being driven from their land and cleared out of villages. Security forces let the fundamentalists do their dirty work.
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Question
Do you hope for democracy in your country?
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Answer
Peter: We need to realize politically that freedom gives Islam a chance to grow. You need to keep on pressuring for real democracy and human rights. That means more than just elections. The fundamentalists will use the electoral process to gain power in Iraq and then demand that Sharia be the only source of law. They will bring a worse system. We need true freedom as Christians to write and to practice our faith. We need the values of freedom.
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Question
Has the war in Iraq affected you where you live as a Secret Believer?
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Answer
Author Al Janssen: One source from within Iraq writes: “Shortly after the fall of Saddam Hussein, church visitation rose sharply. Since then it has dropped because of the violence and insecurity. Many Christians have fled to the northern part of Iraq (which is relatively safe) and neighboring countries. Four violent groups are active in Iraq. Each of these parties have their own reasons to intimidate, kidnap or even kill Christians, but the main reason is for money to finance their battles. Most Christians are shop owners and have some money. Muslim extremists want to spread Islam and remove Christians from their cities. Still, despite all the hardships for the Iraqi church, there are some positive developments. For example the sale of Christian books has risen sharply.”
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