“Syrian Christians have requested our prayers concerning the continuing violence in their country. Thousands of Syrians, including large numbers of Christians, have fled from their homes, especially in the Homs and Hama governorates and more recently Damascus and Aleppo. There have been reports of the targeting of Christians by both government and opposition sides.

Several prominent Syrian Christians have been killed recently, including Defence Minister General Dawoud Rajha (assassinated in an attack on the National Security Offices in Damascus on 18th July) and Brigader-General Nabil Zougheib (assassinated along with his wife and son at their home in a Christian neighbourhood of Damascus on 21st July).

Most Church leaders point out that any such targeting is not religiously motivated but is either politically motivated or is criminal activity for economic gain. Many Christians fear that radical Islamist groups are becoming more influential, and that this may lead to increased hostility towards Christians and other minorities. They fear that they may become more vulnerable to criminal activity, including kidnapping-for-ransom incidents.

Throughout the ongoing unrest, Syrian Christians have faced a dilemma of allegiance. They regard the current regime as having been a protector for many years and fear that any replacement regime is likely to prove more hostile. Yet along with others in Syria, they know that open allegiance to either the government or to the opposition could bring retaliation from the other side.

Syrian Christians request our prayers that:
a.    Christians will know the protection of the Father, the inner peace of Jesus, and the daily guidance of the Spirit
b.    Church leaders will know the Spirit’s guidance concerning public worship and private pastoral support of their congregations
c.    The bereaved, wounded, and traumatized will know the comfort, presence, and healing touch of Jesus
d.    There will be an end to violence by all parties and that a just resolution and constructive reform will follow
e.    Many will know the love and forgiveness of Jesus
f.    In the long term, there will be greater religious freedom for all citizens.”