The Syrian civil war began as a popular uprising in 2011, with demands for increased political liberties and economic reforms. However the roots of the conflict are deeper and more complicated, and include class conflict, rural versus urban divisions, and repressed political liberty. The Syrian opposition is increasingly “Islamizing” and the civil war is more and more taking on the form of a jihad against the Syrian government. In the conflict, all Syrians are suffering greatly, but some groups are in a more vulnerable position than others. One of the main features of Syria’s Christian population is its combined ethnic and religious identity. The geographical concentration of Christians in strategic areas of the country that are vital to both the government and the opposition’s war efforts is an important factor in their vulnerability, as is their alleged support for the government
Today, June 20, is National Refugee Day; a day filled with those committing to help the most vulnerable in their most trying and unjust days. Christians that have fled from ISIS are now facing food and water shortages, harsh living conditions and no home to call their own...
Innocent citizens of Aleppo continue to be caught in the crossfire between government and rebel forces. Mortar fire recently damaged a church storehouse, further depleting critically scarce resources.
A rare 48-hour ceasefire brought temporary relief to the beleaguered Syrian City of Aleppo.
Being present, visiting Christians where they live and encouraging them in their homes and churches. These are some of the things Brother Andrew, the founder of Open Doors, always tried to do. Presence ministry is still an important part of Open Doors’ work. Recently, one of our colleagues was able to visit Syria:
Pray for those that are suffering by reading the latest prayer requests from persecuted Christians around the world.
Advocate for persecuted Christians by sending the 2016 World Watch List to President Obama.
