Despite Syria’s Christian schools reopening – with assurances from rebel authorities that there will be no restrictions on religious practice – concerns remain about the future of Christianity in the country.
Local sources who wished not to be named told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the mood of the Christian community is subdued yet cautiously optimistic.
An ACN contact said: “My message to the world is the importance of international support for Christians to establish a civil constitution, rather than an Islamic Shari‘a-based constitution.
The source added that the Christian population in Syria is so small that they do not have enough power to make them “capable of securing their rights in terms of the constitution, institutional life and civil governance.
“There is fear that we have moved from a regime that silenced everyone to a regime that does not allow others to live as they wish, with personal freedoms.”
They stressed that there is growing fear that the country could move towards a fundamentalist Islamist system where religious ideology may override personal freedoms.
Another local contact told ACN that Christians in Aleppo are beginning to resume their normal lives, with Masses taking place without any problems and small Christmas decorations appearing around the city.
The source added that authorities have assured the public that Christian schools would be able to operate as normal and even urged the faithful to celebrate Christmas to help improve the city’s atmosphere.
They explained that – after an initial rise in inflation – prices have started to stabilise, with foreign brands, particularly from Turkey, now available at lower costs than local products.
Syria has suffered a crippling financial crisis for years, caused in part by western sanctions.
The charity’s research indicates that – despite reports of isolated incidents of religious discrimination or aggression – there have been no signs of systematic persecution.
ACN has remained in contact with projects partners and Church leaders in Syria, some of whom met with representatives of the country’s new leadership in Aleppo and Damascus last week.
The charity is committed to providing continued support, including emergency aid, medical assistance and food supplies for Christian families, as well as helping with pastoral activities, the rebuilding of homes and the installation of solar panels for Church buildings and schools to help reduce energy costs.
By: acnuk
