Misleading reports of a ‘slaughter of Christians’ in Syria are threatening the safety of local believers, according to Open Doors. Only four Christians were reported killed, and those deaths were not faith-related. Open Doors urges prayer for the Syrian church as misinformation spreads, potentially inciting negative repercussions for Christians.
An Open Doors representative has warned that misleading reports regarding a supposed “slaughter of Christians” in Syria could jeopardize the safety of Christian believers in the region. Following recent violent events, during which over 1,500 individuals were killed, there is a heightened concern for the welfare of Christians as well as the broader civilian population within Syria. The church in Syria is urgently requesting prayers amid escalating turmoil.
There have been assertions on social media alleging that Christians are being specifically targeted during these recent attacks, with some critics claiming that mainstream media is neglecting to report on this purported religious violence. However, according to local sources affiliated with Open Doors, the reality depicts a significantly different scenario.
Reports indicate that, despite the tragic nature of these incidents, only four of the deceased individuals are known to be Christians, and there is no evidence to suggest they were killed due to their religious beliefs. Most casualties are reported to be civilians from the Shia Muslim Alawite community, historically loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad. Matthew Barnes, a communications officer for Open Doors, emphasized this point, asserting, “We have no evidence that any of them were killed because of their faith.”
Matthew Barnes has expressed his concern regarding the potential dangers posed by spreading false information. He stated that misleading accounts could incite negative repercussions for Syrian Christians. He noted a prior occurrence where a Christian NGO faced governmental scrutiny due to claims circulating about Christians opposing the president: “When a Christian NGO recently started a lawsuit against the new president, the Syrian government summoned a bishop from the same denomination as the NGO and asked why Christians are so against the president.”
The situation remains precarious for Christians in Syria, as violence continues to provoke fear. Churches in the regions of Tartus and Batia have suspended services due to security concerns. Barnes remarked on the growing apprehension among Christians: “Churches in Tartus and in Batia and the surrounding villages cancelled all their church services.” He pointed out that even within the Mediterranean region, fears of being caught in conflict remain high.
Moreover, previously existing persecution issues exacerbate the conditions for Christians in Syria, particularly for individuals who have converted from Islam. The specter of past atrocities committed by ISIS continues to loom large, prompting many Christians to contemplate leaving the country. Barnes observed, “One person I know said that she knows of people now wanting to leave the country.”
Amid these unfolding events, Matthew Barnes has called for continued prayer from the global Christian community for the safety and fortitude of Syrian Christians during this turbulent period: “Pray for safety in Syria. Pray that the government will be able to control all those people with bad intentions.” He implores believers to remain steadfast and shine as a light within their communities, while also urging heartfelt prayers for all Syrians affected by the violence.
The misinformation regarding targeted violence against Christians in Syria poses significant risks to local believers and could lead to severe consequences. While the tragic recent events have predominantly affected the civilian population, it is crucial to advocate for accurate representations of the situation. The calls for prayer emphasize the need for unity and support for those caught in this ongoing conflict, highlighting the responsibility of the global church to advocate for peace and justice in Syria.
Original Source: www.opendoorsuk.org
