“What is happening today in Mosul brings horror, fear and bad memories to the Christians of Iraq and leads us to question; is this happening in the 21st century and in front of the civilized world where innocent Christian civilians are forced to convert, be treated as Dhimmi, or slaughtered?” (senior Iraqi church leader, reported by Barnabas Fund)

Some recent news and reflections on the situation for Christians in Iran and Iraq:

• Islamic State, martyrs and the Lord (Nived Lobo)
• The face of persecution and the trampling of Mosul (CM)
• Factchecker: Is ISIS beheading children in Iraq? (TGC)
• Iran: Imprisoned pastor Saeed Abedini threatened by Isis (BF)

There’s more news from Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, India and S Sudan in the latest issue of Conversation. And we’ll be praying for Iran and Iraq at our mission prayer meeting, First Priority, this Sunday (7 Sept.) at All Saints Cathedral Halls, Nairobi. Join us there if you can.