Evangelical Leaders Advocate for Protection of Syrian Christians Amid Violence
Evangelical leaders are urging U.S. intervention to protect Syrian Christians following a massacre claimed by leader Ahmed al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Concerns have been raised about the government’s capacity to protect minorities. Rev. Johnnie Moore criticized the regime’s failure to safeguard its citizens and urged the U.S. to maintain sanctions against the government until it ensures security for all.
Recent events in Syria have prompted urgent calls from evangelical leaders for protective measures for the country’s Christian population. Following a massacre claimed by al Qaeda-affiliated leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, over 1,000 Syrians, including Christians, were killed last week. As the Interim President, al-Sharaa leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has raised concerns over its ability to foster a democratic regime that safeguards minority rights.
Rev. Johnnie Moore, President of The Congress of Christian Leaders, criticized al-Sharaa’s government, stating that it has demonstrated a clear failure to protect civilians, particularly vulnerable Christian communities. Despite al-Sharaa’s promise to bring those responsible for the killings to justice, doubts persist regarding his regime’s commitment to governance.
Moore highlighted the alarming conduct of foreign fighters associated with the Syrian government, who have reportedly committed atrocities against civilians, including Christians. This situation raises significant concerns about the regime’s alignment with extremist ideologies, despite not being explicitly labeled as ISIS.
Moore expressed disappointment at the European Union’s approach to the Syrian regime, which he believes sends a dangerous signal of normalization. He underscored the need for the U.S. to pursue a contrasting strategy by maintaining strict sanctions until the Syrian government demonstrates a capacity to protect all its citizens, particularly Christians.
The ongoing civil conflict has decimated Syria’s Christian population, dwindling from approximately 1.5 million before the war to an estimated 300,000 today. This dramatic decline illustrates both the urgency of the situation and the need for international attention to ensure the safety of religious minorities in Syria.
In conclusion, the deteriorating situation for Christians in Syria under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa calls for immediate action from U.S. authorities and international bodies. The failure of the new regime to protect vulnerable populations highlights the need for a strong stance against any normalization of relations until meaningful commitments to human rights are made. Preserving the dwindling Christian community in Syria requires a concerted effort to address these alarming developments.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
