Syrian Christians look to an uneasy future amid Islamic takeover
Christians in the destabilized nation are currently living in tentative peace
Earlier this week, Christian leaders in Syria met with leaders of the Islamic rebel groups that recently ousted the Bashar al-Assad regime to negotiate conditions for the faithful under a new government.
Bishops, priests, and other religious met with leaders of the jihadi-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham at a Franciscan church and convent in the Apostolic Vicariate of the Catholics of the Latin Rite.
"I told them that we, as Arab Christians, represent a unique reality in history and in the world,” Chaldean Jesuit Bishop Antoine Audo told Agencia Fides, a missionary organization.
Overall, he recounts a “positive” meeting.
"Their intention," he said, "seems to be to build trust.”
“I told them that we, as Arab Christians, represent a unique reality in history and in the world. I recalled some examples of the history of Muslim Arabs with Christians and the contribution of Christians to this history,” the priest continued. “I added that the status of the "dhimmi" (non-Muslim members of a state guided by Islamic law, ed.) can be interpreted both negatively and positively, that Christians cannot be second-class citizens and that we must work together. They seemed very interested in these considerations."
Jihadi leaders currently say that Christians should expect no changes to come in their daily lives and freedom to worship, but as a small minority in the country, concerns remain.
Although Christmas celebrations are expected to be small, Bishop Audo says that churches will nonetheless be open for those who want to celebrate.
“Perhaps," he says, "there will be no parades and spectacular moments. But anyone who wants to visit us in our churches and bishoprics during the holidays is more than welcome."
Syria’s Christians once made up 10% of the country which itself has a rich Christian history. However, in the over a decade since the war on the Assad regime began, that figure has dwindled to around 2%.
There is no guarantee that the Islamic ruling forces will stay true to its word and protect the Christian population. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters as they face an uncertain future.