NESSL: Statement on the “Caesar Act”

The National Evangelical [Presbyterian] Synod of Syria and Lebanon has issued the following statement regarding the US “Caesar Act” which imposes new sanctions on Syria.  The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, through Global Ministries, have been active in opposing sanctions due to the impact sanctions have had on the most vulnerable Syrians, and joined in an ecumenical letter to Congress last month expressing concerns about the Caesar Act’s provisions and anticipated impact.  That letter is referenced in the NESSL statement, which follows:

Statement by the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon
Office if the General Secretary

“Caesar Act” has imposed additional sanctions on Syria and has reminded people of the Ancient Empires and the policy of “violated lands” that has been carried out on vulnerable populations.

While the Syrians have sacrificed a lot over the years of war to triumph over terrorism, the United States government has decided to punish them with an additional blockade that will affect the Syrian people’s daily sustenance, health, and the future of their children.

It became evident that there is no solution in Syria except for a political solution driven by the Syrians themselves to preserve the sovereignty of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the continuity of its governmental institutions.  Nonetheless, the American government has decided to complicate the crisis further by starving the Syrians, impeding reconstructions, and penalizing those who violate the application of the “Caesar Act.”

The National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (Presbyterian Church) would like to thank the millions of its partners in faith and call in the following American Protestant Churches:

• The Presbyterian Church (USA)
• Christian Reformed Church
• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• United Methodist Church
• American Friends
• Disciples of Christ Church
• United Church of Christ
• Mennonite Central Committee USA

We thank them for their response to the cries of the Syrian people by sending a joint letter to Congress demanding reconsideration of this unjust “Act” that victimizes the lives of millions of Syrians and their children through foreign policies that intensify their suffering.

We also call on the different Evangelical churches in the West to stand united to support the Syrians by virtue of their Christian faith.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.

Rev. Joseph Kassab
General Secretary of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon
President of the Supreme Council of Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon