Churches to unite in prayer and fasting for Syria

The current plight of the Syrian people was a point of concern for the church leaders as the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) met in Sydney last week.

Archbishop Malki Malki of the Syrian Orthodox Church told the council that many Christians have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and peace.

The NCCA Executive, representing 19 Australian Churches, issued a statement of support recognising the presence and witness of indigenous Christians in Syria, their contributions to Syrian society and their desire for a society based on mutual respect, justice and peace.

The Rev. Tara Curlewis, NCCA general secretary said, “We have real concern for the people of Syria in light of the current violence, increasing loss of life and the destruction of places of worship.

“We are very concerned for those who have sought refuge in Syria as they have fled other areas of conflict in the Middle East.”

As an act of solidarity with and support for the Syrian people the member churches of the NCCA are requested to consider a time of prayer and fasting for peace and reconciliation.

They are also asked to pray for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians in Syria and among the members of the Australian Churches whose heritage is from Syria.