Arab Spring: Christians in Syria today

As the heartbreaking bloodshed continues in my beloved country Syria, I am extremely sad and concerned that rumours are flying around that Christians in Syria are being threatened and asked either to join the protest against the regime or leave the country. I am an Anglican priest from Syria and have a wide network of people from many denominations across the country. Priests and laypeople – including family and friends – have repeatedly told me that they have not been threatened in this way. They have heard these stories going around as rumours and tasteless jokes because some of them rhyme – in Arabic, at least. If something like this has happened, I am sure it would be an isolated incident. Sadly, in the Western media, these rumours are being reported as fact.

These rumours serve to distract the people from the real issue, which is the reformation of Syria. In addition, they hurt the Christians in Syria and put them in a very difficult position. We have never lived with a victim mentality because we, as Christians, have never been victims in Syria but rather full players in the life of the society.

We are and will always be part of the diverse fabric of Syrian society and will continue to contribute to the best of our ability to live alongside other religions in peace and harmony. The most vital source of stability and strength in Syria is its diversity. It is our responsibility as Syrians, whatever our religion might be, to protect the precious values of living together and sharing our joint love for our country as we work to build its future with determination and freedom.

Nadim Nassar