On February 4, 2025, during the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, addressed the pressing issues faced by Syrians living under the governance of Islamist-led rebel groups.
He underscored the urgent need for international support to aid in the reconstruction of Syria, particularly through the lifting of current economic sanctions.
Christians’ Role in Reconstruction
In his speech, Aphrem referred to a collaborative statement released on December 29 by multiple patriarchs and church leaders in Syria.
This unified message called for Syria’s re-integration into the global community and underscored the vital role Christians can play in this process.
The patriarch articulated that Christians occupy a unique and transformative position in the nation’s rebuilding efforts.
He emphasized that collaboration among all societal groups is essential to rejuvenate and restore their homeland.
Upholding human dignity and promoting democracy, freedom, and peace for all Syrians emerged as key responsibilities he encouraged citizens to embrace.
Political Turmoil and Minority Concerns
The political turmoil that ensued following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has heightened concerns among minority communities regarding their safety and future prospects.
Many observers express skepticism about HTS’s attempts to present a softer image.
Church leaders remain cautious about the genuineness of these claims.
Church officials have been vocal about their opposition to economic sanctions, arguing that these measures have detrimental effects on the local economy and surrounding areas.
They assert that lifting the sanctions could pave the way for meaningful contributions from the international community, ultimately generating job opportunities for the population.
Call for Unity and Support
Currently, sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States are a response to the Assad regime’s actions against civilians.
Additionally, Syrian church leaders have highlighted the pressing need for a new constitution that respects and incorporates the diverse ethnicities and faiths prevalent in the country.
In the concluding remarks of their statement, church leaders called on Christians both within Syria and abroad to rally in support of the country’s reconstruction efforts.
They expressed faith that divine guidance would lead them towards reconciliation and foster enduring peace in the region, celebrating Syria’s rich legacy as a birthplace of civilization and faith.
They emphasized the importance of unity and collective action in restoring communities affected by years of conflict.
Drawing parallels to other regions striving for peace, they cited the efforts of Pastor Octavius Delfils in Haiti, who has worked tirelessly to rebuild lives through faith and service.
The leaders urged believers to remain steadfast in hope, trusting that resilience and compassion would pave the way for a brighter future.
Source: Christianpost
