Mosul (AsiaNews) – Insecurity prevailing in Iraq in recent months has not prevented, as feared, this year's resumption of theology courses for lay people in Mosul. Lessons have already been under way for a month. The "good news", as a Chaldean priest in Rome described it, was reported on the site www.ankawa.com.

On 28 October, the 2006-2007 academic year was inaugurated at the monastery of Mar Gorghis of Mosul, with three-year courses for all interested students. There are three classes and in all, 75 men and women have enrolled. Theology lessons have been held regularly every year in Mosul since 1983. One lecturer said: "Usually, we have up to 200 students. However this year the difficult situation we are passing through has led to a drop in registrations."

Lecturers of all kinds, from bishops to priests and male and female members of religious orders, teach subjects like sacred scripture, patristics, moral, dogmatic and pastoral theology, church history, canon law and philosophy.

This year, for the first time, even smaller villages will have their own theology course. Those who find it difficult to go to Mosul will be able to go to Karamles, where first year classes are being provided for Catholic and Orthodox students coming from Karacosh and Bartella.