Syria
Recovering from chaos, still in danger
The country’s years-long civil war has left it in turmoil, and Christians have not been spared from that suffering. Christians are caught in the crossfire between government troops and rebel forces, especially at the frontlines. Additionally, Christians are at risk if forces antagonistic to Christianity rule their home regions. Even in more secure parts of Syria, Christians who have converted from Islam face pressure and discrimination from their communities.
Targeted and pressured
Due to their public visibility, the leaders of historical churches are particularly targeted for abduction. But Baptist, Evangelical and Pentecostal congregations are also in a vulnerable position as they are known for their more Western orientation, fragmentation, lack of strong leadership and lack of a foreign spokesperson (like a Pope or a bishop) who can speak out on their behalf.
In areas controlled by radical Islamic groups, most historic churches have been either demolished or used as Islamic centers. Public expressions of Christian faith in these regions are prohibited and church buildings or monasteries cannot be repaired or restored irrespective of whether the damage was collateral or intentional.
Christians who converted from Islam are often put under pressure by their family, as conversion brings great dishonor to the family. This is particularly true in majority Sunni areas, where converts risk being expelled from their family homes or worse. Pressure from the family is somewhat less intense in Kurdish areas, as the Kurdish Sunnis are generally less radical.
Examples
On July 11, 2019, the Syrian Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in Qamishli, north-eastern Syria, was targeted in a car bomb attack. State media reported that 11 civilians were injured, the church gate was dented and nearby shops severely damaged.
On May 12, 2019, the Christian town of al-Suqaylabiyah in north-western Syria came under heavy assault. As a result of heaving shelling, five young children died who were playing near a monastery during a Sunday school gathering, including their teacher. Four others were injured. One week later, a sixth child died of his injuries.
In November 2018, according to Syrians for Truth and Justice: A radical Islamist group “seized 400 houses and 50 shops, owned by Christians, in the province of Idlib.” Reportedly, the violent group considers such property to be the spoils of war. As a result of loss of property and violations of their rights, most of the Christians in Idlib have moved to government-held areas or abroad.
Population and number of Christian statistics: Johnson T M and Zurlo G A, eds., World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, accessed April 2019).
Pray for Syria
Syria Photo Gallery
Stories from Syria
August 20, 2020
This survivor of two ISIS attacks shows how much Syrian Christians risk
Falit is a Christian who was targeted by ISIS. He's endured two separate attacks and still follows Jesus in Syria. Read More
+ READ MORE
August 19, 2020
Amidst bombings and death threats, this Syrian Christian seeks Jesus
Sozan is a Christian in Syria. Here, she gives her testimony about following Jesus in Syria even in the midst of war and uncertainty. Read More
+ READ MORE
August 19, 2020
The last 10 years have nearly killed the church in Syria—and they need our help
Pastor George is a Syrian Christian in northern Syria—here, he describes the situation for Christians and how we can help. Read More
+ READ MORE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hebrews 13:3 please "Remember those in prison" on this forum: http://www.christianforums.com/forums/christian-persecution.212/
James, Messiah's brother, speaking to Paul, Acts 21: Therefore do just what we tell you.. Thus everybody will know that there is no truth in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself walk in observance of the Law.
Recovering from chaos, still in danger
The country’s years-long civil war has left it in turmoil, and Christians have not been spared from that suffering. Christians are caught in the crossfire between government troops and rebel forces, especially at the frontlines. Additionally, Christians are at risk if forces antagonistic to Christianity rule their home regions. Even in more secure parts of Syria, Christians who have converted from Islam face pressure and discrimination from their communities.
Targeted and pressured
Due to their public visibility, the leaders of historical churches are particularly targeted for abduction. But Baptist, Evangelical and Pentecostal congregations are also in a vulnerable position as they are known for their more Western orientation, fragmentation, lack of strong leadership and lack of a foreign spokesperson (like a Pope or a bishop) who can speak out on their behalf.
In areas controlled by radical Islamic groups, most historic churches have been either demolished or used as Islamic centers. Public expressions of Christian faith in these regions are prohibited and church buildings or monasteries cannot be repaired or restored irrespective of whether the damage was collateral or intentional.
Christians who converted from Islam are often put under pressure by their family, as conversion brings great dishonor to the family. This is particularly true in majority Sunni areas, where converts risk being expelled from their family homes or worse. Pressure from the family is somewhat less intense in Kurdish areas, as the Kurdish Sunnis are generally less radical.
Examples
On July 11, 2019, the Syrian Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in Qamishli, north-eastern Syria, was targeted in a car bomb attack. State media reported that 11 civilians were injured, the church gate was dented and nearby shops severely damaged.
On May 12, 2019, the Christian town of al-Suqaylabiyah in north-western Syria came under heavy assault. As a result of heaving shelling, five young children died who were playing near a monastery during a Sunday school gathering, including their teacher. Four others were injured. One week later, a sixth child died of his injuries.
In November 2018, according to Syrians for Truth and Justice: A radical Islamist group “seized 400 houses and 50 shops, owned by Christians, in the province of Idlib.” Reportedly, the violent group considers such property to be the spoils of war. As a result of loss of property and violations of their rights, most of the Christians in Idlib have moved to government-held areas or abroad.
Population and number of Christian statistics: Johnson T M and Zurlo G A, eds., World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, accessed April 2019).
Pray for Syria
- Many children are failing to receive an education as a result of the war and Christian children are particularly vulnerable, as many Christian schools have been closed or damaged. Pray for educational opportunities for these children.
- Centers of Hope, an Open Doors project in Syria, serve as an extension of the church and provide a wide variety of programs that include children and youth activities, food distribution, discipleship courses, trauma counseling, services delivering meals to the elderly and many more. Pray for strength for the many volunteers who serve in the 16 Centers of Hope all over Syria.
- Continue to pray for peace for Syria. The fighting there is complex, and ordinary people are suffering greatly. Pray for a true resolution.
- Pray for continued wisdom and discernment for church leaders as they guide their churches through uncertain times of war and conflict.
Syria Photo Gallery
Stories from Syria
August 20, 2020
This survivor of two ISIS attacks shows how much Syrian Christians risk
Falit is a Christian who was targeted by ISIS. He's endured two separate attacks and still follows Jesus in Syria. Read More
+ READ MORE
August 19, 2020
Amidst bombings and death threats, this Syrian Christian seeks Jesus
Sozan is a Christian in Syria. Here, she gives her testimony about following Jesus in Syria even in the midst of war and uncertainty. Read More
+ READ MORE
August 19, 2020
The last 10 years have nearly killed the church in Syria—and they need our help
Pastor George is a Syrian Christian in northern Syria—here, he describes the situation for Christians and how we can help. Read More
+ READ MORE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hebrews 13:3 please "Remember those in prison" on this forum: http://www.christianforums.com/forums/christian-persecution.212/
James, Messiah's brother, speaking to Paul, Acts 21: Therefore do just what we tell you.. Thus everybody will know that there is no truth in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself walk in observance of the Law.
