Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

what's new - archive

news

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
Christian Aid update and resources

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
#WithSyria campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

More: Crisis in Syria - archive news 2012-2013