Achieving a Peaceful Resolution to the Conflict in Syria

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the deterioration of the situation in Syria is causing increasing concern. President Obama warned Syria of U.S. military action should the regime of Bashar al-Assad use chemical weapons. According to a new report by the United Nations independent panel probing abuses committed during the country’s ongoing conflict, both the Syrian Government and the opposition forces have perpetrated war crimes and crimes against humanity. Minority populations in Syria, including Christians, have been targeted by jihadists among the opposition groups.

Christians in Syria—who are an essential component of the fabric of Syrian culture and history—trace their Christian heritage back to the apostolic era and make up about 10 percent of the population of 22 million. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has had close relationship with and partnered in mission with Syrian Churches for most of the last two centuries.

Our Christian Brothers and Sisters in Syria have asked us to urge the US government not to intervene militarily but instead to support diplomacy and peacemaking efforts between the Assad regime and armed opposition groups.

Please support our partners in Syria and urge your political leaders:

-to support a mediated process of cessation of violence by all perpetrators, including the Assad regime and armed opposition groups,

-to call for all outside parties to cease all forms of intervention in Syria,

-to support a strong and necessary role for the United Nations, possibly including observers and peacekeeping forces, and

- to refrain from military intervention in Syria.

For more information please see the Presbyterian News Service Story - "In the Midst of Unspeakable Violence."

Source: Presbyterian Mission Agency