Syria's Christian churches face political, religious challenges

Published: 2004-11-01

DAMASCUS, Syria (CNS) -- The ancient Christian churches of Syria, small in numbers but vibrant in faith, are facing new challenges brought by political instability and religious extremism outside the country's borders. The war in Iraq has unleashed violence and terrorism by groups claiming to act in the name of Islam, sending tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians -- along with many Muslims -- fleeing into Syria. Although the Syrian government has steered a moderate course and clamped down on any form of fanaticism, the percolation of Islamic fundamentalism throughout the Middle East worries Christians in Syria. Internally, the churches also face a major demographic problem, as many of their younger members continue to emigrate to places of prosperity and security abroad. Syria's Christian community has shrunk in recent years to about 10 percent of the population. Despite these problems, most Syrian pastors and lay faithful speak hopefully about their churches' future in a country that has taken pains to protect their religious rights.

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