BOURNEMOUTH church-goers were handing out leaflets today to raise awareness of persecuted minorities in Iraq.

The 11 members of the Turning Point church in Southbourne were encouraging passers-by to write to MPs, speak out on social media and donate money to aid thousands of Christians, Yadizi and other communities devastated by the Islamic State terrorist organisation.

Pastor Ian Rothwell said: “People are being killed, raped and displaced all because of what they believe. We want our government to do more to help the refugees and ensure the aid actually gets to those in need.

“It doesn’t matter whether people think the Iraq war was just or not – it probably wasn’t – this is not about invading a country but stopping people being killed for their beliefs.”

He said they were suggesting people donate via Christian charity www.opendoorsuk.org.