Pastors in Iraq have spoken out against the continuous persecution of Christians in their country, urging prayer and action from human rights groups.

Canon Andrew White, also known as the "Vicar of Baghdad," leads St. George's Anglican Church in Iraq. He says the attacks against Christians have not let up, but believers have also been strengthened by the ordeal.

"We are under serious persecution. We've had 227 people killed this year. We are under attack, our people are kidnapped, they are tortured," he said.

"Our people are fleeing -- huge numbers have fled. But we're really happy," he said. "Despite all this it is the happiest and largest church I have ever had."

Persecution will be one of the main points of prayer during this Sunday's Global Day of Prayer.

CBN News spoke with Todd Nettleton, Voice of the Martyrs director of media development, about the treatment of Christians in Iraq and other Muslim nations.

Click play for his comments on the prayers needed for these believers and where the Iraqi church is headed.