IRAQ (ANS) -- A Christian bishop has received a threatening letter written by Ansar al-Islam, a Kurdish Muslim group affiliated with al-Qaeda in Iraq.

The Assyrian International News Agency (AINA) reported on its web site that the letter ordered all Christians to immediately leave Iraq. The letter said its writers are sending a final warning to Christians in Baghdad and other Iraqi areas to leave Iraq permanently.

AINA reported that the letter was published on Al-Ittihad's website, a daily newspaper that covers Iraqi politics.

AINA provided this translation of the letter.

It read, "The General Secretariat of the Adherent of Islam Brigade has decided to address the final warning to you and to all your adherents and flocks, the infidel Christian Crusaders, in Baghdad and the other governorates and order you to leave immediately, in masses and permanently from the Muslim countries (Iraq) and to join Pope Benedict the sixteenth and his followers who crossed over the greatest symbols of humanity and Islam."

AINA said the letter continued, "There is no place for you infidel Christians among the Muslim believers in Iraq from now on. Otherwise, our swords will be legalized over your neck and the necks of you followers and flocks similar to what happened to the Christians living in Mosul."

The letter ended, "God is our witness. He who warns is excused. The General Secretariat of the Adherents of Islam Brigade."