Christians lived in Iraq long before the Islamic Caliphate first began spreading its imperialistic tentacles throughout the region, in the 7th century AD. And yet, centuries later, they are being systematically persecuted, mutilated, raped, killed or forced to flee what was once, historically, their home. Considered, at one time, the Cradle of Civilization Iraq is far from civilized these days, as we daily witness the senseless violence perpetuated all in the name of religion.

Aside from the typical Muslim killing Muslim atrocities, they are also targeting the few Christians who have refused to leave a country they have every right to call their own. Although every man has the God-given right to worship as he pleases, Christians are being threatened, killed, kidnapped for ransom, or forced to convert, against their will. According to one man, originally from Baghdad but now living in Northern Iraq,

“I had a choice: Convert to Islam, pay the tax, or give away one of my daughters.”

2 years ago, this same man was kidnapped and only released after he paid a large sum of money. This so-called “ransom” is, in effect, the “Jizyah”, a tax that all non-Muslims must pay, according to the Koran 9:29.

YUSUFALI: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.

Churches and schools are being bombed; priests, men, women and children are being murdered; families are being coerced into paying the Jizyah. If unable to comply, family members are forced to convert to Islam. Those who refuse are given 24 hours to vacate their homes. With all this hatred and violence heaped upon them, Iraqi Christians are leaving the country in droves. Although no-one knows the exact number, it is estimated that, of the small 3% of Iraqis that are Christian, at least 50% have left or been killed. That leaves a paltry few. Tragically, this signals the beginning of the end of an ancient Christian culture that has its roots in ancient Mesopotamia.

Thankfully, the Europeans are stepping up to the plate. France has decided accept 500 Christian Iraqi refugees. Germany has offered to take in others. Churches are working with Germany’s Human Rights Commission to resettle at least 20,000 to 30,000 Iraqi Christians. And, although it is a very noble endeavour, the fact that they have to leave, in the first place, is despicable. That there are religions that still exist in this modern, so-called civilized 21st century, that are so intolerant of other religions, and even other sects within their own, that they find the need to kill, bully or dominate, is truly pathetic.

We are all GOD’S children- which means we are all brothers and sisters. Stop killing each other in the name of GOD.