Car bomb kills 15 near Baghdad church

At least 15 people have been killed after a car bomb was detonated close to a Baghdad church as members of the congregation were leaving a Christmas Day service.

The bomb exploded in the Dora district of the city and has wounded at least 28 people.

According to the BBC, police have said that most of the victims were Christians and no one has yet claimed responsibility.

Christmas has become a tense occasion for Iraqi Christians in the last decade as they have become the target of extremists, triggering a mass exodus of believers from the country.

More than 50 people died in an attack by gunmen on Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad in 2010.

Heavy security and patrolmen with guns have become commonplace at Iraqi churches as they try to protect themselves from further attacks.

News
US Episcopal Church membership falls below 1.5 million as decades-long decline continues
US Episcopal Church membership falls below 1.5 million as decades-long decline continues

The US Episcopal Church has reported a further decline in membership and worship attendance, with new data it has fallen below 1.5 million members despite signs of post-pandemic stabilisation.

Priest dies after cross falls on him during livestreamed Mass
Priest dies after cross falls on him during livestreamed Mass

A priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has died after a crucifix fell on him during an evening Mass on Saturday. 

Christians remember Aberfan disaster 60 years on
Christians remember Aberfan disaster 60 years on

It was described by one individual as "the ministry of tears".

Churches must do more to equip Christians for evangelism, says J John
Churches must do more to equip Christians for evangelism, says J John

Churches need to devote more time and resources to evangelism and do more to equip their members to share their faith with non-Christians, evangelist Canon J John has said.