Syria (MNN) — The unrest continues in Syria, and it appears government leaders are intensifying a crackdown on anti-government protesters. According to reports, they're focusing on demonstrators in Damascus and its suburbs.
Syria's minority Christians are watching the protests sweeping their country with trepidation, fearing their religious freedom could be threatened if President Bashar Assad's secular rule is overthrown.
Greg Musselman with Voice of the Martyrs Canada agrees, saying Christians aren't sure they want change. They know they won't be getting a Christian president, "but at least there is some measure of religious freedom. If this government, as we know it, comes down now, it's unknown, and it'll likely be something worse than what they have now."
Musselman says Sunni Muslims form the majority in Syria. "With the more militant, radical elements of Islam, [they] will try to enforce Sharia law, and that will cause problems for Christians–similar to what happened in other parts of the Middle East."
More than half of the Christian population in Iraq was killed or forced to leave Iraq as that nation formed a new pro-Muslim government.
According to Musselman, the infighting in Syria between Islamic groups may also affect Christians. "The Christian community then becomes a sitting duck in a lot of ways."
While the violence continues, Musselman is asking Christians to pray that God would give wisdom to believers in Syria. "You don't want to just be hiding and cowering in fear. You still need to be proclaiming the Gospel."
In the meantime, VOM needs your support to continue meeting the needs of Christians in areas where religious freedom remains questionable. Click here to help.
