Christian leaders want to help building the new Syria

Christian leaders in Syria have released a statement about the current situation where they respond with a message of ‘love and hope’.

Since the ousting of the government of President Bashar al-Assad in the beginning of December, Syria is now controlled by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Christian leaders have released a statement where they respond with a message of ‘love and hope’. In their statement they call for national reconciliation, for lifting of the international sanctions on Syria, for participation of Christians in drafting the new constitution.

“We have a vital role to play”

“As Christians, we have a vital and pivotal role to play in this phase by cooperating with everyone to advance and rebuild this homeland,” say three patriarchs of major Syrian churches in a recently published statement.

“At this historic moment we address the public with a message of love and hope,” they start their statement. The statement is signed by John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Mor Ignatios Aphrem II, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church and Youssef I Absi, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

“Today, we stand on the threshold of a new era that requires all of us to have humility, courage and determination to build the Syria of the future. This new phase calls for a commitment to a culture of dialogue and openness to others. It demands wisdom, deliberation and foresight as well as the ability to avoid getting caught up in pointless disputes, populism or isolation.”

Four ‘key axes’ for the future

In their statement they focus on four ‘key axes’: national reconciliation and dialogue as a path to unity; an appeal to the world to lift external economic sanctions; participation in drafting a new constitution for the country; hope for a bright future.

To achieve reconciliation and dialogue they want, for example, that a comprehensive national dialogue will be launched that brings together all spectrums and components of society, fosters trust and social cohesion, addresses the roots of conflict and redefines Syria’s national identity based on common values: citizenship, dignity, freedom, and coexistence.

They plea for: “Dialogue workshops at the local level to address challenges affecting social cohesion and coexistence, achieve genuine reconciliation in areas where reconciliation and transparency are needed, and enable communities themselves to work toward shared recovery throughout Syria.”

A ‘spirit of coexistence’

They also want to revive ‘the spirit of coexistence’. This includes working to eliminate prejudices and countering exclusionary rhetoric, hate speech and discrimination, as ‘vengeance and resentment do not build a nation’.

Regarding to lifting the international sanctions on Syria, the church leaders say that an end to the sanctions will ‘support the path of reconstruction and economic recovery, and create job opportunities’.

Advice for a new constitution

They write: “We believe that drafting a new constitution that reflects the aspirations of Syrians is key to building a modern and democratic state. Therefore, we emphasise the necessity for the constitution-drafting process to be inclusive and comprehensive, involving all components of Syrian society, including various ethnicities, denominations, men and women, young and old, to ensure the constitution represents the will of the people in all its diversity.”

In addition, they say that the new constitution should adhere to the principles of citizenship, guaranteeing human rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers, while respecting public and individual freedoms, including freedom of opinion and belief, as well as the inclusion of women.”

Regarding to ‘hope for a bright future’ they say that values of justice and equality should be adopted in the constitution, ‘as the foundation for building a state that offers equal opportunities to all its citizens, without any discrimination, in political, social and economic life’.

“A united, sovereign and independent Syria”

The new Syria should be, according to the patriarchs: “A united, sovereign and independent Syria that preserves the dignity of every citizen, regardless of religion, denomination, ethnicity or political affiliation. A Syria governed by a constitution that ensures the rule of law, equality before the law, separation of powers and respect for diversity and freedoms. A Syria where everyone, particularly women and youth, actively participates in building the future.

“A Syria where the state maintains an equal distance from all religions and denominations, with a constitution guaranteeing the state’s neutrality towards religion and religious institutions. This ensures the separation of state institutions from religious institutions and prevents the misuse of authority for religious purposes or the exploitation of religion for political gain.”

Carrying the hope of Christ

To the Christians in Syria, they say: “Not to retreat into isolation or fear but to engage actively in the public sphere, moved by the spirit of the gospel, so they may be partners in building a new Syria. We believe that God, who brought us together in this land, will bless our efforts and guide us on the path to peace. Let us lift up our hearts and hands to Him, reconcile with one another and seek from Him strength and wisdom to move forward. Let us be peacemakers, carrying the hope of Christ and remaining faithful to His message of reconciliation, fraternal love and peace on earth.”

This call follows the takeover of power in Syria by HTS after a swift offensive in the first week of December 2024, leading to President Bashar al-Assad leaving the country on 8 December. He and, before him, his father led the country for more than 50 years.

Since HTS are in control of the country, Christian, Alawite and Druze Syrians are worried about what might happen to them in the new Syria. Until now there have been no clear incidents that indicate that the new people in power would target the Christian minority in Syria. In some news sources some incidents were reported, but it seems they were related to vandalism or criminal activities of individuals.

On 31 December Ahmad al-Shara, the leader of HTS, had a meeting with a group of church-leaders in Damascus. They were quoted on several news outlets as having left the meeting ‘with cautious optimism’ about the future of their country. “There are hopeful signs of consensus on key principles and values with new leaders,” one of the church leaders said to a Christian news outlet. “But we must wait and see if words are translated into action.”