• Islamic oppression
• Clan oppression
• Organised corruption and crime
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Caution and fragile hope: What is the future for Syria?
Who runs Syria—and what does it mean for Christians?
18Syria
The World Watch List research period was from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024. These findings may not reflect the reality of life in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024.
All Christians face a harsh and pervasive security apparatus (as do all Syrians), leading to self-censorship. But Christians from other denominations, and especially those from Muslim backgrounds, face great danger. They’re treated with suspicion by the authorities, and risk being disowned or even killed for bringing “shame” on their families.
The legacy of the takeover of Syria by the Islamic State group can still be seen. Large numbers of Christians left their place of origin to go to other majority Christian areas as IDPs or have left the country. While some believers have returned to rebuild their lives and communities, there are still far fewer than there used to be.
In areas controlled by Kurdish forces, there has been more tolerance, with people allowed to legally become Christians. But Turkish forces invading these areas have committed terrible violence against Christians and Yazidis, raiding and destroying Christian communities that were previously safe.
What does Open Doors do to help?
Open Doors raises prayer support for believers in Syria.
Please pray
- Pray that God will bring about the peace only He can to Christians, who’ve faced more than a decade of near-constant challenges.
- Ask God to give hope and healing to converts from Islam who’ve been rejected and expelled from their families and communities.
- Pray for the awakening of the Church to work together and to intentionally stand in the gap.