Persecuted Church in Syria – World Watch List #11 (Open Doors UK)

Leader: President Bashar al-Assad
Population: 21.1 million (1.7 million Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic
World Watch List Rank: 11
Source of Persecution: Islamic extremism

Before the civil war, although meetings were monitored, Christians were respected in society, but this is rapidly changing. Muslim-background believers face opposition from family and friends, and also now from foreign extremist fighters and mercenaries.

Previously, Christians were persecuted for supporting the government, or not taking sides. Now a clear religious motive has been added by the influx of these foreign radicals. Many Christians have been abducted, physically harmed and killed, churches damaged or destroyed, and tens of thousands of Christians have fled.

Please Pray:

• For Christians who’ve had to flee their homes
• For the emergency relief and trauma counselling that Open Doors is able to offer
• Give thanks that, despite the challenges, the Syrian church is reaching out to others.

Persecution dynamics

Violence and protests against the government have lasted for almost two years, and the situation in Syria can best be described as extremely chaotic. The recognised church of Syria is not a hidden or secret church. It is respected in society, although every Christian meeting is monitored by the secret police. As long as Christians did not disturb communal harmony or pose a threat to the government, they were tolerated and had freedom of worship. However, this is rapidly changing.

During the second part of 2012, there was a clear increase in the number of foreign jihadists entering the country. We have received reports of many Christians being abducted, physically harmed and killed. Many churches have been damaged or destroyed. The central government is losing its grip on the situation and tens of thousands of Christians have fled the country.

Though it is hard to predict how events will unfold, a change of government is expected to lead to a situation of anarchy and struggle for power. If extremist Muslims obtain more power, they might seek revenge from the overall Christian silence and peaceful stand in the country. Should that happen, Christians will either be isolated or driven from the country en masse – a situation comparable to the one in Iraq.