Iraq's Christians Fearful of Islamic Law

[Barrett808]

LONDON, JULY 16, 2005 (Zenit) - The long-awaited constitution now being prepared in Iraq could effectively turn the country into an Islamist state, warns the auxiliary bishop of Baghdad.

In a letter presented July 14 to the British branch of the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Andraos Abouna expressed his concerns that this new constitution could also include automatic discrimination against non-Muslims.

The letter was signed by the leaders of nine Christian denominations, and it makes a desperate plea for equality of all religious groups.

Underlying the leaders' concerns are reports that Shiite Muslims -- Iraq's largest religious group -- are pressing for a permanent constitution that enshrines Shariah, or Islamic law.

The Church leaders are fearful that their faithful could become victims of the discrimination and persecution that Christians face in other places where Shariah is imposed.

http://www.catholic.org/cathcom/international_story.php?id=15668

[IndianaGreen]

1. They have George Bush and Tony Blair to thank for!

All those Iraqi exiles in London that agitated in favor of a US/UK invasion of Iraq should be shipped to Iraq at once! Let them enjoy the fruits of their labours!

[stepnw1f]

2. Now Trying to Make This Into A Religious War

Aha... all else failed so let's see if this rallys the troops... disgusting!

[Democracy White]

3. Ah, "democracy" at its finest!!!

Indeed!!!

Dee

[merwin]

4. It's funny that Christians under Saddam were treated better than

Christians under Bushie's regime. Freedom on the march!

[IndianaGreen]

6. and so were the small Jewish community in Iraq

Israel is more interested in getting all the Jews to flee to Israel and be pasteurized and homogenized along everyone else than to preserve the Diaspora and its rich cultural tapestry that predates the existence of Israel in some cases.

[msongs]

5. as you did unto others so shall it be done unto you. n/t

[LondonAmerican]

7. Huh?

[LondonAmerican]

8. They have good reason, unfortunately

sad that they were treated better under the Baathists than by the islamists that the US has put into power.

[Hissyspit]

9. Iraq's muslims should be fearful of any religious law, too, period.

Theocracy is a danger to human rights, everywhere.