A Faith Response to Syria

PC(USA) church partners support call for no military action in Syria

Presbyterian Mission Agency

MELODY K. SMITH

Communications

LOUISVILLE

The General Secretary of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, a longtime church partner of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), sent a letter to the PC(USA) yesterday, expressing appreciation for PC(USA)’s “prophetic stand against all kinds of violence in Syria and your condemnation of the use of chemical attacks no matter who was the user.” He also affirms the Synod’s opposition to the use of force by the United States or any international power as it “will only multiply the suffering,” and warns that “what happened in 2003 [war against Iraq] must be a lesson for all.” Click here to download the full letter.

The Christian Palestinian group, Kairos Palestine issued a statement on the situation in Syria on September 2, 2013. “We are certain that any military response will merely escalate the situation and increase civilian disaster,” Kairos shared, as they urged churches worldwide “to stand in opposition to this intended war which will not herald any just peace.” Click here to download the full letter.

Last week, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, the Rev. Gradye Parsons issued a statement in the wake of the escalating violence in Syria, calling upon U.S. and world leaders to refrain from military action. The Clerk's statement emphasizes the need for a negotiated approach involving all parties in the region in response to a violation of international law.

The Office for Public Witness issued an action alert asking constituents to send messages to their congress representative indicating their opposition to military action in Syria.

The 220th General Assembly (2012) approved a resolution “On Prayer and Action for Syria” and a statement “For Human Rights and Civic Freedom: Movements for Democratic Change in the Arab World” both of which speak to the current situation in Syria.

You can learn more about PC(USA) mission and history in Syria at World Mission’s Syria page.