The Kurdistan Regional Government has officially permitted the Christian charity, the Bible Society, to function legally within its borders.
It is a breakthrough for the Bible Society which operates in Iraq including the Kurdistan region. The permit will allow them to open an office and go about their business of making the Bible's message easily available.
Kurdistan is a self-governing region in Iraq with its own prime minister and parliament. It is considered a safe haven for the Christian minority who make up only one per cent of the Iraqi population.
The official permit was handed to Nabil Omeish, Programme Coordinator for the work of Bible Society in Iraq. This comes after months of visits to government offices and officials.
He said the application for the permit had received a major boost from the first ever distribution of 20,000 Scripture calendars in Kurdish last December. Many of the calendars made their way to the desks of government officials - an indicator of the strong impact the Bible Society has in the region.
Meanwhile, the Bible Society continues to operate from its office and warehouse in Baghdad. It is hoped that a new branch in the relatively secure northern region will strengthen its mission and prove effective for the Bible cause.
Mike Bassous, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Lebanon, who is also responsible for the work in Iraq, said: "It is very important that we translate this official approval into action."
He added, "This is something we can do by opening a branch in the Kurdish region to strengthen our work among the Kurdish Church."
Ian Mckay Bible Society's International Director said, "This permit is great news for Christians in Kurdistan and is a great encouragement for the team who face considerable challenges."
-
Hillsong’s Joel Houston opens up about season of 'soul-searching' after difficult few years
-
Afghanistan's first dedicated Christian TV channel launches despite Taliban restrictions
-
The Christian candidate who lost the election but won my respect
-
Church of England faces ‘financial disaster’ without radical cuts, academics warn
-
Southwell Minster faces closure amid £20m funding crisis
-
Yemen is key funding hub for Islamic State attacks on Christians - report
Most Popular
related articles
New UK charity launched to help Iraq's minority Christian community
New UK charity launched to help Iraq's minority Christian community
Feature: Faith is Inspiration for Most Tourists to Iraq
Feature: Faith is Inspiration for Most Tourists to Iraq
UN Alerts Iraqi Refugees in Syria via Text Message
UN Alerts Iraqi Refugees in Syria via Text Message
British Troops Pull Out of Iraqi City of Basra
British Troops Pull Out of Iraqi City of Basra
Iraqi Refugees 'Forgotten People', says World Vision President
Iraqi Refugees 'Forgotten People', says World Vision President
News
New network to foster unity between European and migrant churches
"Contested migration is a big barrier," says founder Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana.
Budget must go further to support families, says CARE
Christian charity CARE has called for fundamental tax reform to support families, warning that the Budget’s measures offer too little help to parents facing financial pressures.
Isle of Man medics raise concerns about assisted suicide following Royal Assent
Although the bill has passed, assisted suicide is still at least 18 months away.
Abraham, Elisha and the faith that makes room for others
Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on hospitality and compassion through the lens of Abraham’s welcome to strangers and Elisha’s care for a grieving mother.
