Alarm over exodus of Christians from Syria

Tens of thousands of Christians have fled Syria because of fighting AP

The Religious Liberty Partnership has expressed concerns about the plight of minorities in Syria and is calling for prayers.

The alliance of Christian organisations from over 20 countries is urging the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria to pay particular attention to the country's "vulnerable ethnic and religious minorities".

They want the international community "to provide sufficient protection for all ethnic and religious communities as well as their historical, religious, and cultural sites".

The alliance warns of an "exodus" of Christians as well as other ethnic or religious minorities from Syria because of the violence.

"We believe the international community must act now to protect them. And we are calling on Christian leaders around the world to unite in calling for prayer for peace for this troubled nation," said the alliance in a joint statement.

The statement comes at the end of a meeting of the Religious Liberty Partnership in Istanbul, Turkey.

In addition to greater protections, the RLP is urging the global church to designate World Refugee Sunday on 23 June as a special day of prayer for Christians in Syria.

Christians are also being asked to write to the UN Special Envoy for Syria to ensure protection for ethnic and religious minorities.

Mervyn Thomas, chairman of the Religious Liberty Partnership and chief executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide said: "We urge Christian leaders around the world to respond to this call to prayer and action now in order to bring peace and stability to this troubled nation."

The Religious Liberty Partnership leadership team includes Godfrey Yogarajah, of the World Evangelical Alliance, Ron Boyd-Macmillan, of Open Doors International, and Daniel Hoffman of Middle East Concern.

News
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce

In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.

Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth
Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth

It follows an earlier open letter addressed to King Charles, calling upon him to defend Christianity in line with his titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and "Defender of the Faith".

Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice
Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice

Churches can breach the code even when acting in good faith.

Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds
Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds

Fifteen per cent of UK employees with a faith say they have experienced religious discrimination in the workplace.