Did prayer impact the change in Iraq?

Contact: Dr. Cass, 954-491-9366

FT. LAUDERDALE, August 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Gary Cass, former Executive Director of Reclaiming America for Christ, now Chairman and CEO of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission, went as part of a six member prayer delegation to Baghdad and prayed for Prime Minister Maliki and the Iraqi people. He returned last week.

"Isn't it interesting that the very same weekend we pray for the Prime Minister and for peace and freedom for all Iraqis the mood concerning Iraq has significantly changed," said Cass. "The Iraqi soccer team unites the nation and the New York Times runs a positive op-ed that states the war might be winnable. Rush Limbaugh asked on his Monday program what happened over the weekend in Iraq. Some people believe in coincidences, we believe God is honored when we pray in Jesus' name."

In addition to praying for the Prime Minister, the delegation asked him about the commitment of the Iraqi government to religious liberty for all Iraqis. The Prime Minister assured the delegation that the Iraqi government is committed to true religious liberty.

According to reports of Christian leaders who met the delegation, over 50% of Iraqi Christians have left the country. Iraqi Christians constitute 3% of the population or approximately one million people. The Christian leaders expressed fear of a U.S. troop pullout. The government at this time cannot protect religious minorities, and if the U.S. pulls out, the Christians fear they will be slaughtered.

"As we consider our options in Iraq we must not forget the suffering Iraqi people who have great hope that Iraq will one day be free and prosperous," said Cass. "We certainly cannot stand by and let the great Christian heritage in Iraq be wiped out."

Cass went as part of a delegation organized by Rev. Pat Mahoney and the Christian Defense Coalition.

Pictures available at www.garycass.org,