Church-run College in Iraq Sees a Future

"We have gained much confidence, even among Orthodox bishops," Monsignor Jacques Isaak told the charity Aid to the Church in Need. "Students here learn how to live in Christian brotherhood."

The Chaldean monsignor said that 138 students were enrolled in the academic years 2003 and 2004. He expects that number to increase in the future.

Asked about the current situation in Iraq, he said: "I am not pessimistic. At present there is a void in the country, security is the biggest challenge."

"But," he added, "although there are many terrorists from abroad active in Iraq, there is no war of religions. The majority of our people, Christians and Muslims, do not like an Islamic fundamentalist regime."