“The group has a record of violent attacks, kidnappings, and systematic persecution of Christians…”
A Call to Action and Prayer
The plight of Christians in Syria is a call for urgent global attention.
As Christmas approaches, the situation is particularly challenging for displaced believers. Many are struggling with physical and emotional hardships, separated from their families and church communities.
The global church is called to pray for the safety of Syrian Christians and other vulnerable groups as they navigate this period of uncertainty. Intercede for the protection against the threats posed by extremist groups, asking for God’s guidance and provision for those on the frontline by offering support.
Join us in remembering our Syrian brothers and sisters in faith this Christmas. May we pray with them, offering hope and solidarity as they endure these immense challenges.
Christians in Syria comprise around 10% of the population (2.3 million).
They have faced significant persecution, particularly from extremist groups like HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-sham) and its predecessor, Jabhat al-Nusra. These groups have subjected Christians to forced conversions, extortion, violence, and displacement.
The Christian community in Syria is diverse, representing various denominations, yet they all face the same growing uncertainty: what is their fate in Syria?
The abduction of Christian leaders during the Syrian Civil War highlights the dangers for the community. Furthermore, there were many more Christian leaders and civilians that were killed – numbers that have been left unaccounted for in the media. In 2013, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Paul (Yazigi) and Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim were kidnapped, allegedly by forces loyal to HTS. To this day, their fate remains unknown.
With HTS now in control of Syria following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, the future for Christians and other minority groups has become increasingly perilous. While many Syrians celebrate Assad’s downfall, the rise of HTS has created new fears.
HTS, a former affiliate of al-Qaeda, aims to establish an Islamic state governed by strict Islamic principles. This shift in power has heightened the risk of violence and displacement for Christians, Druze, Alawis, and other religious minorities. HTS has a long history of targeting Christians and other minorities through acts such as kidnappings, killings, and property confiscation, deepening concerns about the uncertain and challenging future of these communities.
A Country in Crisis
Syria remains in the grip of a long-running humanitarian crisis.
Around 7.2 million Syrians remain displaced within the country. Beyond Syria’s borders, 4.9 million refugees – many of them Christians and other minorities – live in neighbouring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. Initially, some countries offered a warm welcome, but attitudes have shifted over the years. Refugees now face rising hostility, forced deportations, and increasing pressure to return to Syria.
HTS: The Threat to Religious Minorities
HTS is recognised as a terrorist organisation by the UN, Australia, the US, and other countries, though some governments (like the UK) have hinted that they may reconsider this designation. Emerging from a merge of rebel groups, HTS officially split from al-Qaeda in 2016. Despite this separation, its ideology remains rooted in Islamist extremism.
HTS seeks to establish an Islamic state, claiming to align with Islamic values. However, this vision may bring suffering to religious minorities, especially Christians. The group has a record of violent attacks, kidnappings, and systematic persecution of Christians, including confiscation of their property and killings of civilians.
The Refugee Crisis and Hidden Persecution
Millions have already fled, and with the recent escalation, many more Christians, Druze, Ismailis, and other religious minorities are continuing to flee every day. In neighbouring countries, refugees often hesitate to register with organisations like the UNHCR due to fears of sectarian violence. Many go to great lengths to hide their identities, living in constant fear of being targeted based on their faith or communities ties.
Enable us to support those who are forced to flee their homes due to persecution and donate to our ‘EXODUS FUND’ here.
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