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03/23/2005 Archived Entry: "Mandaeans"

Iraq Sticks to Quota System in Forming Government
The Sabea Mandeans, whose central figure is John the Baptist and who only number
a few thousand, are demanding a ministry to protect their rights.

Iraq's Baptist Mandaeans are Survivors, but Ranks are Thinning
"We are one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. Some say we are the
oldest," Sheikh Jabbar Helu, the most senior Mandaean cleric, who wears a long gray
beard, flowing robes and is a fluent speaker of Aramaic, the language of Jesus and John
the Baptist. "Our religious texts date to Seth, son of the prophet Adam.
Our last prophet was John the Baptist."

They are mentioned four times in the Old Testament, not always in the most glowing terms.

"We like to think of our religions as cousins, just like Jesus
and John the Baptist were cousins," said Sheikh Jabbar.
"Our religions are very similar, but they are also very different."

Mandaean Official Site