Iraq’s Christian community flees violence
MSNBC ^ | November 16, 2004 | Ned Colt
 

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Father Daniel Hani silently prayed in the front pew at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in downtown Baghdad. These are particularly trying times for Christians in Iraq, and Hani knows that more than most.

He's aware of the empty pews behind him, pews that would have been filled just two years ago. Attendance is visibly down, even though most churches have reduced the number of weekly services.

"It's a matter of fear," he said, referring to the two-thirds drop in attendance at St. Joseph's. "A lot of Christians are trying to get out of the country."

Fear is forcing many Iraqis — of all backgrounds — to flee. Every morning a heaving crowd pushes toward the front window of the Baghdad passport office. It seems like anyone who can afford it is applying for a passport and trying to leave. A half million passports have been issued since June.
 

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