Syria

What does persecution look like in Syria?

Syria has a historic Christian community, which is less pressured by the Assad government. All Christians face a harsh and pervasive security apparatus (as do all Syrians), leading to self-censorship. But Christians from other denominations, and especially those from Muslim backgrounds, face great danger. They are treated with suspicion by the authorities, and risk being disowned or even killed for bringing ‘shame’ on their families.

Though most of Syria is now under government control, in some parts of the country, pockets of conflict with rebels continue, and Christians are caught in the crossfire. Many of these rebel groups are composed of Islamist extremists. They forbid public expressions of the Christian faith and have demolished or taken over most church buildings and monasteries, even those belonging to the traditional Christian community. The legacy of the takeover of Syria by the Islamic State group can still be seen. Large numbers of Christians left their place of origin to go to other majority Christian areas as IDPs or have left the country. While some believers have returned to rebuild their lives and communities, there are still far fewer than there used to be.

In areas controlled by Kurdish forces, there has been more tolerance, with people allowed to legally become Christians. But Turkish forces invading these areas have committed terrible violence against Christians and Yazidis, raiding and destroying Christian communities that were previously safe.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Church leaders and Christians from Muslim backgrounds are most at risk of violence, especially in areas controlled by Islamist armed groups or Turkish forces.

What has changed this year?

Syria fell six places on this year's World Watch List, but that doesn't mean things have improved much for Christians. The economic situation continues to worsen, affecting every aspect of life. Rising crime, increased corruption, growing religious discrimination and political instability are fuelling fear among Christians. This drives more people to leave the country in search of a better future, drastically altering demographics. Historically Christian villages now see Muslim residents, and emigration is weakening churches, leaving them with a critical shortage of leaders. This exodus is reshaping communities and challenging the future of Christian life in the region.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Syria?

Open Doors raises prayer support for the Christians in Syria.

How can you pray for Syria?

• Following Jesus in Syria means confronting more than a decade of near-constant challenges – Islamist extremism, war, natural disasters and constant economic stress. Pray that God will bring about the peace only He can.
• Ask God to give hope and healing to converts from Islam who have been rejected and expelled from their families and communities.
• Pray for the churches in Syria, that they will be given refreshment to continue serving God’s people.
• Pray for the awakening of the church to work together and to intentionally stand in the gap. Pray that the church will admit its shortcomings and ask for God's forgiveness and mercy to heal wounded hearts; that it would stand by the oppressed, proclaim the good news, strengthen the weak and shine for the truth in words and deeds.

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