In Depth:  Syria

Luke Randall

Uncertainty remains for Christians in Syria following dubious elections which saw President Ahmed al-Sharaa strengthen his control of the nation’s government, with next to no representation for believers.

The new Hay’at Tahir al-Sham (HTS) regime, led by al-Sharaa has worked to project a credible image of stability and governance since it overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s brutal government at the end of last year.

Luke Randall

An evangelical church leader who had converted from the secretive Druze sect has been brutally martyred, alongside members of his family, amidst bloody violence in Suwayda, Syria.

Khalid Mezher had remained in the area, faithfully preaching the gospel, despite escalating conflict. He was mercilessly killed along with up to 20 members of his family, reportedly including his parents, siblings and children.

Luke Randall

Many Christians in Syria are fearful that their hopes of greater religious freedom following regime change were in vain, following a deadly suicide attack in a church in Damascus.

The incident, which took place at Saint Elias Church in the nation’s capital, saw 24 believers killed and over 60 others injured, with at least 13 in critical condition, according to Open Doors.

Luke Randall

Uncertainty remains for Christians in Syria six months on from Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) overthrowing of Bashar al-Assad’s government. While they are meeting together, they remain concerned about the future under President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rule.

Martin Parsons, CEO of The Lindisfarne Centre for the Study of Christian Persecution, believes a recent meeting between US president Donald Trump and al-Sharaa carries “seismic importance” for the future, with the first meeting between US and Syrian leaders in 25 years representing a huge shift in approach.

Luke Randall

The future for Christians in Syria remains uncertain following the recent toppling of Bashar Al Assad’s government by Islamic group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The fall of Assad’s regime has been met with widespread relief around the world, but how Christians will be treated remains unclear.

Sat-7, which supports the church in the Middle East, has spoken to several Syrian pastors following the change in regime, and found many to be fearful, but also hopeful that a better future may be ahead. One pastor expressed fear about the future, saying ‘change is always fearful, and entering a new era that is unknown and unstable is not accepted by human nature, and leads to worry, but we believe that God is present.’

Luke Randall

Believers in Syria may be gradually marginalised over time – and eventually face death, a leading expert is warning.

As the situation in Syria continues to unfold, Christians face ongoing uncertainty about how their new rulers will treat them.