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Christians concerned Iraqi draft constitution could lead to persecution of non-Muslims

The Christian Post

Christians Concerned that Iraqi Constitution Lacks Religious Tolerance

Saturday, Sep. 24, 2005 Posted: 9:24:18AM EST

Since the Iraq draft constitution was finalized on Sunday Sept. 18, Christian leaders have expressed deep concern about the threat to religious tolerance that could emerge upon the adoption of the constitution in October.

Prior to the passage of the draft constitution by the Iraqi parliament last Sunday, the patriarch of Baghdad for the Chaldeans had a meeting with the president and prime minister of Iraq on behalf of the Iraqi Bishops’ Conference to make a last-minute call on the change of the draft constitution, according to a report by the Catholic News Service (CNS).

"The bishops' conference expressed a grave concern and fear … about Article 2.1(a). This opens the door widely to passing laws that are unjust towards non-Muslims. The conference insists that this clause be amended or deleted," said a statement agreed by the country’s 12 bishops and presented to the Iraqi top officials on Sunday’s meeting. The statement was made public on Monday.

The controversy over the draft constitution lies on Article 2.1(a), which states "no law can be passed that contradicts the undisputed rules of Islam." According to CNS, Christian leaders fear it will inevitably lead to the country to being governed by Shariah, or Islamic law, and therefore threatens the tolerance towards non-Muslim religions.

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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 10:41 PM