 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
|
Document Details : Title: De toekomst van de christenen in Irak en het Midden-Oosten Author(s): HABBI, Joseph Journal: Journal of Eastern Christian Studies Volume: 48 Issue: 3-4 Date: 1996 Pages: 257-267 DOI: 10.2143/JECS.48.3.2003106 Abstract : The Future of the Christians in Iraq and in the Middle East It is difficult to know what the future of the Christians in Iraq and in the Middle East will look like. Their numbers and social and political influence have strongly decreased, due to many different causes: religious (pressure of Islam), political (nationalism), economical, social, etc. In our century, many Christians have migrated to the West and those that stay are often very isolated. Some scholars, like J.-P. Valognes and D. Rance, tend to believe that in the next century they will have nearly all totally disappeared. After a short historical survey of the Christian presence in the Middle East, the author expounds his personal view on their future. Despite of all problems, he is rather optimistic and thinks that the Christians can and will survive in the Middle East. If they are aware of their identity and 'mission', and if they are supported by the international world, then they may accomplish great things. This message of concern and hope is also expressed by the Catholic Patriarchs of the East in their letters since 1991. |
