A Christian mission organisation has reported the positive growth of churches throughout Iraq despite the ongoing widespread conflict.

According to Open Doors’ Carl Moeller, Iraq is witnessing "a new renaissance of the church in Iraq, both in northern and southern Iraq. We have co-workers that are working in both parts of the country."

Moeller also spoke of openness to the Gospel within the Iraqi people, fuelled by the strong desire for a peaceful settlement to the conflict between insurgents and the US-led coalition.

"Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, over 15 new evangelical congregations have started in Baghdad alone, and that's a great deal of encouragement to us."

Open Doors is keen for this development to continue and also for the churches to stabilise, emphasising the need for the churches to anchor themselves in the Word.

He said: "The best we can do, and the best we can pray for is that as the church grows, we're able to provide biblical resources for those new leaders of those congregations so that they can stay grounded in the Word of God."

Open Doors works to spread the Gospel in countries which still persecute Christians, by delivering Bibles and training material, as well as training Pastors and church leaders in evangelism.