Christians Leaving Mideast in Record Number
“Christians are leaving the Middle East in record numbers, driven out by terrorism by the Islamic State and laws in countries the U.S. considers allies. By 2025, Christians are expected to comprise a mere 3 percent of the population in the Middle East, whereas they represented 13.6 percent a century ago.
A series of suicide bomb attacks on Palm Sunday during church services last month in Egypt, which killed at least 45 people, was just the latest in a pattern of violence against Christians in the area, according to The Wall Street Journal in an article published Friday. The exodus is raising alarm the region will become a haven for radical groups.
Islam remains the primary religion in the Middle East, with rival sects often clashing, giving way to fears the violent trend will continue. And, laws in some countries discriminate against Christians, denying them the right to government jobs or even to rebuild churches.
"The disappearance of such minorities sets the stage for more radical groups to dominate in society," said Todd Johnson, director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Mass. "Religious minorities, at the very least, have a moderating effect."
Christians Leaving Mideast in Record Numbers
Pray for Christians in the Middle East region for His courage and grace to continue to be a witness to Christ in the midst of such challenging and sometimes dangerous experiences. May the Gospel spread like a mighty wave through their bold, anointed stance for Jesus among tens of millions of lost people around them! Thank God that He is bringing many in this region out of the bondage of Islamic delusion to joyous, triumphant faith in Him!
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