Ten years ago as many as 1.4 million Christians lived in Iraq. Today the number is likely less than 200,000. ISIS has devastated the Christian population, not to mention the terror it perpetrated on the Muslim and Yazidi populations as well. Murder, kidnapping and displacement due to war have decimated the Christian population - a population that dates back to the first century.
Both the U.S. House and Senate have passed legislation that identifies the activities against the Iraqi Christian population as genocide and war crimes. Beyond that, the U.S. government has already appropriated monies to assist these communities to move back into their previous homes and cities. Unfortunately, however, H.R. 390, the broadly bipartisan bill that has already passed the House (and must now pass the Senate), which would direct these already appropriated funds to assist these Christian refugees, appears to be moving through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
There are indications that this bill is being dealt with at a normal pace for the Senate. If this continues, it will likely be too late. Those on the ground in Erbil, the Iraqi city where most of these refugees are living, tell us that we have a window of another 30 days or so to act, or these Christian communities that have existed in Iraq for two millennia may cease to exist.
While we have our fair share of arguments in American political circles about refugees, their plight and what should be done with them, particularly as they find themselves potentially traveling to America, this is not one of those arguments. This is an attempt to recognize that these communities of religious minorities are trying to settle back in their home cities and communities. They want to resettle, but cannot do so because they are refugees, living on less money than we can imagine, and they cannot afford basic staples like food and medicine because of the barbaric activities of groups like ISIS.
This is also not a question of financial means. Our government has already set aside the necessary funds to assist in this effort - funds that make up a fractional portion of our government's budget. This is a question of channeling the funds that have already been set aside.
This seems to be a question of moral imperative. These are people whose lives have been devastated by rape, murder, kidnapping and displacement. In a country where we celebrate the right of every American to believe what they want to believe, it is almost unfathomable to consider losing everything you own and being forced into a nomadic lifestyle because of your minority religious faith - a faith that has been practiced in their cities and by their families for thousands of years. This is an opportunity for Americans to support those who are most vulnerable in the global community.
While I realize that not everyone who reads this will share my faith, I cannot help but acknowledge that my perspective on this is primarily shaped by what I believe God's word tells us about caring for those who are most vulnerable, and chief among them are those who are displaced, finding themselves at risk.
"Because of the devastation of the needy and the groaning of the poor, I will now rise up," says the Lord. "I will provide safety for the one who longs for it." - Psalm 12:5
"Know that the Lord upholds the just cause of the poor, justice for the needy." - Psalm 140:12
"Executing justice for the exploited and giving food to the hungry. The Lord frees prisoners." - Psalm 146:7
We have an opportunity right now as a nation of moral people who recognize our influence and responsibility on the global stage. I am grateful for the leadership of Sen. Bob Corker, Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, his demeanor and his conviction, and believe he is serving our city, our state and our nation admirably. With that in mind, I would plead with him and other committee members to take up this bill. Consider the bipartisan nature of its support, and the moral good that justifies the bill, and care for these religious minorities who are desperately in need of our support.
Micah Fries is senior pastor of Brainerd Baptist Church. Contact him at mfries@brainerdbaptist.org.