Syria

What does persecution look like in Syria?

Syria has a historic Christian community, which is less pressured by the Assad government—though all Christians face a harsh an pervasive security apparatus (like all Syrians), leading to self-censorship. But Christians from other denominations, and especially those who come 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 rebel groups continue, and Christians are caught in the crossfire. Many of these rebel groups are made up of Islamic extremists. They forbid public expressions of Christian faith, and have demolished or taken over most church buildings and monasteries, even those belonging to the traditional Christian community. The legacy of so-called Islamic State's takeover of Syria can still be seen - large numbers of Christians left their place of origin (IDP) to other majority Christian areas or have left the country for their safety and, while 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 even 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 Islamic armed groups or Turkish forces.

Meet "Norma"

"We believe that God is good all the time. He has never forsaken us, and our suffering is very precious to Him. We believe that He will make a way when there seems to be no way."

Norma* (name changed), Syrian Christian

What has changed this year?

Syria fell six spots on this year's World Watch List, but that doesn't mean things have improved very 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 fueling 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 local partners encourage and strengthen Syrian churches through Centres of Hope by providing Bibles, training, counselling, disaster relief, and fostering unity between different Christian groups.

How can you pray for Syria?

• Following Jesus in Syria means confronting more than a decade of near-constant challenges - Islamic extremism, war, natural disasters and constant economic stress. Pray that God would 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 Open Doors partners in Syria, that they would 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, admitting its shortcomings and asking for God's forgiveness and mercy to heal the wounded hearts, to stand by the oppressed, to proclaim the good news, to strengthen the weak and to shine for the truth in words and deeds.