PRAY FOR SYRIA
– Pray for the people of Syria to heal after years of war, economic uncertainty and natural disasters.
– Pray for peace for all people in Syria
WORLD WATCH LIST
Syria
#12Those who choose to leave Islam to follow Jesus face intense pressure.
bottom“Every week, a Christian person or family I know is leaving the country, especially the younger generation... it is getting harder and harder.”
– local believer
Country
Profile
- Region
- Middle East
- Sources of persecution
- Dictatorial Paranoia
- Population
- 20,638,000
- Christian population
- 579,000
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- President Bashar al-Assad
- Score
- 81
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Syria has a historic Christian community, which is afforded some degree of openness in their faith. But Christians from other denominations can face great danger.
The legacy of the takeover of Syria by groups with certain ideologies 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.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Converts to Christianity are at risk across the country, but their situation is especially dangerous in the northwest and northeast.
The most imminent threat to men and boys in Syria is forced conscription into the Syrian army or another military faction.
In a context of instability and restrictions on religious freedom, women and girls from religious minority groups—including Christians—risk abduction, violence, and sexual harassment, both in rebel-held and government-controlled areas.
