Now this news is indeed an inspiring and moving news. I believe Iraq will be the first Muslim country to do so and what a great way to make Christians feel welcomed. Here is more from Iraq:
Iraq's Christians, a small minority in the overwhelmingly Muslim country, quietly celebrated Christmas on Thursday with a present from the government, which declared it an official holiday for the first time.But security worries overshadowed the day for many, particularly in the north where thousands of Christians have fled to escape religious attacks.
Overall security in Iraq has improved markedly in the past year, but a fatal car bombing in Baghdad on Christmas morning was a gruesome reminder that serious problems remain.
Another good news was when I read that The EU Parliament President Hans-Gert Poettering called on Arab governments to allow Christian Churches to be built in their countries.
About the picture: Shiite tribal leaders and Iraqi officials attend Christmas Day mass at Mary's Daughters Monastery in Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. This year, Christmas Day for the first time, declared an official holiday in Iraq.
(AP/Khalid Mohammed)
