In a joint statement, the three patriarchs of the Christian churches of Syria John I, Ignatius Ephraim II and Yusev al -Abi “call for these horrific acts to be stopped immediately in Syria, condemning the recent wave of attacks and murders.

The whole statement:

In recent days, Syria has witnessed a dangerous escalation of violence, brutality and murder, resulting in attacks on innocent citizens, including women and children. Houses have been violated by people who ignored their sacredness and have been looted – scenes that strongly reflect the enormous misery of the Syrian people.

The Christian churches, while strongly condemning every act that threatens peace among citizens, denounce and condemn the slaughter with the aim of innocent civilians and call for the immediate end of these horrible acts, which are in stark contrast to all human and moral values.

The churches also call for the rapid creation of conditions that will favor the achievement of a national reconciliation between the Syrian people. They encourage the creation of an environment that facilitates the transition to a state that respects all its citizens and lays the foundations for a society based on equality of citizens and genuine cooperation, free from the logic of revenge and exclusion. At the same time, they reaffirm the unity of Syrian territory and reject every effort to divide it.

The churches call on all stakeholders within Syria to take responsibility, to put an end to violence and to seek peaceful solutions that will defend human dignity and maintain national unity.

We pray for God to protect Syria and its people and to prevail in peace throughout the country.