Policy & Advocacy
Backgrounder on Middle East Christians (2019)
International Religious Freedom Fact Sheet: Christian Presence Dwindling in the Middle East
Pope Francis described the Middle East as increasingly beset by war, occupation, fundamentalism, forced migration, and neglect, and condemned the “murderous indifference” toward persecuted religious minorities. The region, the historic cradle of Christianity, has seen a sharp decline in its Christian population over the past century, accelerated by recent conflict and instability.
Overview of persecution of Christians
- Widespread persecution: Reports indicate Christians are disproportionately targeted among persecuted believers in the region.
- Tactics used: Destruction of homes and churches, imprisonment, killings, seizure of property, forced conversions, sexual enslavement, and eradication of religious artifacts.
- Legal and social constraints: Intolerant laws, state-enabled hate speech, and political indifference further silence and marginalize Christians.
Country snap shots
- Iraq: Christian numbers fell dramatically from roughly 1.5 million in the early 2000s to fears of fewer than 300,000; ISIS atrocities, displacement (millions), and ongoing extremist threats continue to endanger any recovery.
- Syria: The civil war shattered rule of law, displaced millions, and killed hundreds of thousands; Christians have lost schools, hospitals, and homes and remain vulnerable to remaining extremist factions.
- Regional trend: Ancient Christian communities across the Middle East struggle to sustain themselves economically, socially, and politically, prompting large-scale emigration.
Church leadership and humanitarian response
- Local ecclesial initiatives: Bishops and church leaders are actively working to preserve Christian presence through education, civil-society engagement, and local institution-building (examples include a Catholic university in Erbil and efforts in Damascus).
- International Catholic relief: Organizations such as Knights of Columbus, Catholic Relief Services, Aid to the Church in Need, Catholic Near East Welfare Association, and Caritas Internationalis are providing humanitarian aid to affected populations, including Christians.
Consequences and imperative
- Threat to survival: Continued displacement, discrimination, and violence place the survival of indigenous Christian communities in jeopardy.
- Societal impact: Loss of the Christian presence would weaken the region’s multiethnic, multireligious fabric and undermine protections for human rights and rule of law.
- Needed focus: Promoting religious freedom, rule of law, and sustained humanitarian and development support is essential to preserve minority communities and strengthen regional stability.