Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

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crisis in syria

 

Photo: © United Nations Relief and Works Agency

The Crisis in Syria

We are all watching the unfolding crisis in Syria with concern and alarm. As with other situations, particularly in Egypt and Libya, we are acutely aware of the human cost of what happens when old regimes that have held power for so long are challenged.

As Christians the land of Syria is deeply embedded in the story of our faith - Damascus is associated with the conversion of Paul and many of the first Christian communities where established there.

The Christian community in Syria is one of the oldest in the world and this and its location in the heart of the Middle East means that is as important to Christians as Israel and Palestine.

On this page we will be listing some of the recent statements from churches and other bodies that might be helpful in your prayers. We will also list here any action that is suggested.
     

Update

14 March 2014
Global vigil for Syria on third anniversary of crisis
Join a global vigil for Syria three years on from the start of the crisis there. You can also take part in Faces for Syria by 'donating' your Facebook or Twitter profile. Christian Aid has an update on its work in Syria for the third anniversary of the crisis as well as resources for churches.
Global Vigil and Face for Syria link to external website
Christian Aid update and resources link to external website

7 March 2014
Church of England and aid agencies join global #WithSyria campaign
#WithSyria, a global coalition urging world leaders to end the violence and suffering of millions of Syrians, is supported by the Church of England, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tearfund, World Vision and many other organisations.
Anglican Communion News Service link to external website
#WithSyria campaign link to external website

14 February 2014
Moral responsibility to accept Syrian refugees say Church leaders
Forty-eight Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic and United Reformed Church leaders from across Great Britain have written an open letter to the Prime Minister saying there is a 'moral responsibility' to resettle a significant number of refugees in Britain.
Methodist Church in Britain link to external website  

22 January 2014
Churches expect decisive actions for peace in Syria from Geneva 2 talks
Churches from around the world continue to call for action to end the conflict in Syria, says the World Council of Churches.
World Council of Churches link to external website

20 January 2014
Cardinal-Designate Vincent Nichols offers prayers for Syria talks 
Cardinal-designate Vincent Nichols has called for 'all people of good will' to join in prayers for peace in Syria and for the success of the planned talks this week between all those involved in the conflict.
Catholic Church in England and Wales link to external website  

17/1/2014
Analysis of Geneva II talks - Podcast with Dr Harry Hagopian
Catholic Church in England and Wales link to external website 

17 January 2014 
Urgent call to action for a just peace in Syria
Church leaders and representatives from Syria, the Middle East Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches and the Holy See met in Geneva from 15-17 January 2014 to address the forthcoming Geneva II peace conference on Syria.
World Council of Churches link to external website

15 January 2014
Bishop for Migrants appeals to UK government to receive refugees
In a homily to mark the World Day for Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Patrick Lynch calls on the UK Government, in conjunction with other European Governments, to "find a way in which countries within the EU can receive at least some of the refugees" from the civil war in Syria. 
Catholic Church in England and Wales link to external website

  
More
: Crisis in Syria - archive news 2012-2013

Statements and resources

Baptist Union, Methodist Church and United Reformed Church

30 August 2013
News Release on Syria link to external website

    
Catholic Church in England and Wales

Podcast: Regularly updated
Middle East Analysis podcast with Dr Harry Hagopian link to external website

31/7/2012
Statement on violence in Syria link to external website

   
Christian Aid

Syria Crisis Appeal link to external website

December 2013
Syrian conflict crisis link to external website


Church of England

International Affairs page with links to statements on Syria link to external website

   
Church of Scotland

International issues page with statement on Syria link to external website
 

Quakers in Britain

Syria Crisis link to external website

   
World Council of Churches (WCC)

17 January 2014
Statement for Geneva 2 talks on Syria link to external website

19 September 2013
Communiqué from WCC consultation on the crisis in Syria link to external website

4 September 2013
Open letter to UN Security Council on Syria link to external website

4 September 2012
Statement on crisis in Syria link to external website

9 August 2011
Statement on Syria link to external website

 

Syrian refugees
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