WCC urges dialogue and unity, not revenge in Syria
World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sorrow and grave concern over the recent tragic developments in Syria, where, according to some sources, more than 1,000 civilians, primarily from the Alawite community, have been massacred.
“We underscore the joint statement issued by the Heads of Churches in Syria on 29 December 2024, which expressed a vision for a new Syria based on reconciliation, dialogue, partnership, and hope,” said Pillay. “Their call for a culture of dialogue and national unity remains more urgent than ever in the face of the ongoing violence and suffering.”
Pillay reaffirmed that violence only begets more violence, and called on all Syrians to break free from this destructive cycle and work toward a future rooted in justice, healing, and peace. “Syria’s tragic history reminds us that repeating past atrocities will only perpetuate suffering and division,” Pillay said. “Instead, we must strive for a reconciled society where the dignity of all is upheld.” Pillay called upon the international community, faith-based organizations, and all people of good will to support the Syrian people in their quest for peace, reconciliation, and justice. “Though the road to healing will be long, we remain steadfast in accompanying the Syrian people in their pursuit of a future where dignity, freedom, and coexistence prevail over hatred and revenge,” he concluded.
The full statement is below, and available here.
The World Council of Churches expresses its deep sorrow and grave concern over the recent tragic developments in Syria, where, according to some sources, more than a thousand civilians primarily from the Alawite community have been massacred in reprisals following ambushes on government forces by military loyalists to the former Assad regime, amid efforts to destabilize and provoke further conflict in Syria.
The WCC joins its voice with that of the Heads of Churches in Syria in condemning “any act that threatens civil peace, denouncing and condemning the massacres targeting innocent civilians, and calling for an immediate end to these horrific acts, which stand in stark opposition to all human and moral values.” The WCC unequivocally condemns these atrocities, which have deepened Syria’s suffering, threatening further instability and conflict in a nation that has already endured decades of authoritarian rule, culminating in a decade of violent repression after Syrians peacefully demanded freedom, democracy, dignity and equality.
We underscore the joint statement issued by the Heads of Churches in Syria on 29 December 2024, which expressed a vision for a new Syria based on reconciliation, dialogue, partnership, and hope. Their call for a culture of dialogue and national unity remains more urgent than ever in the face of the ongoing violence and suffering.
We reaffirm that violence only begets more violence, and we call on all Syrians to break free from this destructive cycle and work toward a future rooted in justice, healing, and peace. Syria’s tragic history reminds us that repeating past atrocities will only perpetuate suffering and division. Instead, we must strive for a reconciled society where the dignity of all is upheld.
We call upon the international community, faith-based organizations, and all people of goodwill to support the Syrian people in their quest for peace, reconciliation, and justice. Though the road to healing will be long, we remain steadfast in accompanying the Syrian people in their pursuit of a future where dignity, freedom, and coexistence prevail over hatred and revenge.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches