Dear Friends of the Syria Lebanon Partnership Network,
You most likely have been following the news about the overthrow of the al-Assad regime in Syria. Elmarie Parker and Joseph Kassab have provided updates, which we have included below. Please continue to hold the people of Syria in your prayers.
Consider making a year-end tax-deductible donation to the Syria Lebanon Partnership Network. Funds will be used in 2025 to support relief projects through our regional partners in Syria and Lebanon.
To donate by check: Make your check out to Des Moines Presbytery with “SLPN” or “Lebanon” in the memo line, to help the Presbytery’s accountant know the donation is for SLPN. Mail the check to: Presbytery of Des Moines, 1864 Hwy 86, Milford, IA 51351
To donate online:
You can donate online at the Des Moines Presbytery website, using a credit or debit card or PayPal. Click here to be directed to the online donations page. In the “Note” box, type “SLPN” or “Lebanon” to alert the Presbytery’s accountant the donation is for SLPN.
Updates from our Partners in Syria-From Elmarie Parker, PC(USA) mission co-worker:
Our dear siblings in Syria are facing a seismic change, as I know you all know from following the news of the past 10 days.
I have been in touch with all the pastors serving congregations in Syria and have been hearing back from them bit by bit. Everyone, so far, is safe, and depending on their location, they have held services on Sunday. Their opinions are mixed in terms of how they feel about Assad resigning and Jolani now setting the pace of things to come. Some express hope and others much fear. I don’t know how much they will post in social media, as there is concern about safety going forward.
Rev. Ibrahim sent a voicemail that I think powerfully captures the hopes of our Christian friends…that a new constitution would be formed and adhered to that would honor everyone as an equal citizen in Syria apart from their religious or non-religious identity so that Syria would be a place for everyone to thrive. May this be so.
Let’s keep praying and standing with our siblings in Christ as they navigate these new and unknown waters.
Rev. Joseph Kassab, General Secretary, National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL):
Advent greetings from Syria in transition
With minimal bloodshed and surprising discipline, a political era in the history of the Syrian people has come to an end. This era was one that profoundly divided Syrians. Some feared change, as it brings an uncertain future, while others regarded any change as a better tomorrow. Some saw the mere existence of a state—any state—as a guarantor of security for its citizens, while others viewed the current state as an instrument of injustice, a hindrance to the freedom they longed for. Only a small segment of Syrians had benefited from the state and manipulated it domestically and internationally for personal gain. This group is from the past, awaiting a new dawn with the emergence of a broader political system.
This morning, opposition armed factions completed their takeover of the capital, Damascus, and began peacefully and cooperatively assuming control of official institutions from the Prime Minister. Since they entered Aleppo, the armed factions have taken care to issue reassurances to citizens, including minorities and Christians, urging them not to fear and affirming that no harm will come to them, as the aim of the operations is solely to overthrow the regime.
On Sunday, prayers in our churches were conducted as usual—albeit with limited attendance—because many people remain fearful. Most of the gunfire heard was celebratory rather than combative.
Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Syrians, including Christians, as they aspire to build a Syria where all citizens—regardless of religion, denomination, or faith—enjoy safety and security. This vision encompasses a state that embodies freedom, democracy, and shared governance, with peaceful transitions of power, devoid of violence. It envisions a state grounded in justice and the rule of law, where all citizens are treated equally, irrespective of their affiliations. Such a state of true citizenship would be free from outdated political and religious ideologies that no longer align with the principles of a modern, progressive state. It would be a state that heals the wounds of its people and restores them to their homeland and homes with dignity and pride.
The challenges of this new phase are numerous and require collaborative efforts to establish a state free from animosity, vengeance, and monopolization. This new phase calls for identifying common ground among all Syrians to chart a unified vision for the future of the nation. At the same time, Syrians must remain alert to avoid becoming pawns in the geopolitical games of nations pursuing their own interests.
Christians in Syria have always been advocates of peace and reconciliation. They refrained from engaging in violence during the years of conflict and were deeply troubled by the scenes of mutual bloodshed and violence that spanned 14 years. Their legacy is one of love and peace, which has sustained their presence for over 1,400 years alongside their Muslim compatriots. Power has never been their primary concern; rather, they have focused on their role and presence as agents of goodwill, serving as "salt and light" in a society they have been an integral part for more than two millennia. Their foremost aspiration is to secure their freedoms—freedom of worship, expression, and contribution to the construction of a modern, civil society characterized by tolerance and love.
We appeal to our partners who stood with us—and continue to do so—during the years of crisis to persist in their prayers for Syria and its people. We urge you to advocate for Syria’s future in your country, ensuring that this future becomes a sanctuary of safety, inclusion, and freedom for Christians to practice their faith without oppression or persecution. This is a time to stand in solidarity with the future of Christians in Syria we all aspire to see.
The path ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but it cannot be navigated without our partnership in faith, prayer, and mutual support.
Christmas reminds us of the profound mystery of God incarnate as a child among us. While some, like Herod, sought to destroy Him, the Lord safeguarded Him until His mission was accomplished. May we strive to resemble the Holy Family, who nurtured and cared for Him, enabling Him to grow in “wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.”
Riad Jarjour, President of the Forum for Development, Culture, and Dialogue (FDCD), also sent an update, which was forwarded to us by Elmarie Parker. Please see our website page, "Updates on the Situation in Syria," to read his comments.
We will add additional updates to this webpage as we receive them.
Please consider making a year-end tax-deductible contribution to our mission network. See the donation instructions above.
Thank you to all who contributed toward our recent appeal for aid to Lebanese families displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Together, we raised $22,550. This money has been wire-transferred to the Compassion Protestant Society (CPS) and is being used for those in Lebanon now. Thank you for giving from your hearts!
Syria-Lebanon Partnership Network of Presbyterian Church (USA)
You most likely have been following the news about the overthrow of the al-Assad regime in Syria. Elmarie Parker and Joseph Kassab have provided updates, which we have included below. Please continue to hold the people of Syria in your prayers.
Consider making a year-end tax-deductible donation to the Syria Lebanon Partnership Network. Funds will be used in 2025 to support relief projects through our regional partners in Syria and Lebanon.
To donate by check: Make your check out to Des Moines Presbytery with “SLPN” or “Lebanon” in the memo line, to help the Presbytery’s accountant know the donation is for SLPN. Mail the check to: Presbytery of Des Moines, 1864 Hwy 86, Milford, IA 51351
To donate online:
You can donate online at the Des Moines Presbytery website, using a credit or debit card or PayPal. Click here to be directed to the online donations page. In the “Note” box, type “SLPN” or “Lebanon” to alert the Presbytery’s accountant the donation is for SLPN.
Updates from our Partners in Syria-From Elmarie Parker, PC(USA) mission co-worker:
Our dear siblings in Syria are facing a seismic change, as I know you all know from following the news of the past 10 days.
I have been in touch with all the pastors serving congregations in Syria and have been hearing back from them bit by bit. Everyone, so far, is safe, and depending on their location, they have held services on Sunday. Their opinions are mixed in terms of how they feel about Assad resigning and Jolani now setting the pace of things to come. Some express hope and others much fear. I don’t know how much they will post in social media, as there is concern about safety going forward.
Rev. Ibrahim sent a voicemail that I think powerfully captures the hopes of our Christian friends…that a new constitution would be formed and adhered to that would honor everyone as an equal citizen in Syria apart from their religious or non-religious identity so that Syria would be a place for everyone to thrive. May this be so.
Let’s keep praying and standing with our siblings in Christ as they navigate these new and unknown waters.
Rev. Joseph Kassab, General Secretary, National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL):
Advent greetings from Syria in transition
With minimal bloodshed and surprising discipline, a political era in the history of the Syrian people has come to an end. This era was one that profoundly divided Syrians. Some feared change, as it brings an uncertain future, while others regarded any change as a better tomorrow. Some saw the mere existence of a state—any state—as a guarantor of security for its citizens, while others viewed the current state as an instrument of injustice, a hindrance to the freedom they longed for. Only a small segment of Syrians had benefited from the state and manipulated it domestically and internationally for personal gain. This group is from the past, awaiting a new dawn with the emergence of a broader political system.
This morning, opposition armed factions completed their takeover of the capital, Damascus, and began peacefully and cooperatively assuming control of official institutions from the Prime Minister. Since they entered Aleppo, the armed factions have taken care to issue reassurances to citizens, including minorities and Christians, urging them not to fear and affirming that no harm will come to them, as the aim of the operations is solely to overthrow the regime.
On Sunday, prayers in our churches were conducted as usual—albeit with limited attendance—because many people remain fearful. Most of the gunfire heard was celebratory rather than combative.
Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Syrians, including Christians, as they aspire to build a Syria where all citizens—regardless of religion, denomination, or faith—enjoy safety and security. This vision encompasses a state that embodies freedom, democracy, and shared governance, with peaceful transitions of power, devoid of violence. It envisions a state grounded in justice and the rule of law, where all citizens are treated equally, irrespective of their affiliations. Such a state of true citizenship would be free from outdated political and religious ideologies that no longer align with the principles of a modern, progressive state. It would be a state that heals the wounds of its people and restores them to their homeland and homes with dignity and pride.
The challenges of this new phase are numerous and require collaborative efforts to establish a state free from animosity, vengeance, and monopolization. This new phase calls for identifying common ground among all Syrians to chart a unified vision for the future of the nation. At the same time, Syrians must remain alert to avoid becoming pawns in the geopolitical games of nations pursuing their own interests.
Christians in Syria have always been advocates of peace and reconciliation. They refrained from engaging in violence during the years of conflict and were deeply troubled by the scenes of mutual bloodshed and violence that spanned 14 years. Their legacy is one of love and peace, which has sustained their presence for over 1,400 years alongside their Muslim compatriots. Power has never been their primary concern; rather, they have focused on their role and presence as agents of goodwill, serving as "salt and light" in a society they have been an integral part for more than two millennia. Their foremost aspiration is to secure their freedoms—freedom of worship, expression, and contribution to the construction of a modern, civil society characterized by tolerance and love.
We appeal to our partners who stood with us—and continue to do so—during the years of crisis to persist in their prayers for Syria and its people. We urge you to advocate for Syria’s future in your country, ensuring that this future becomes a sanctuary of safety, inclusion, and freedom for Christians to practice their faith without oppression or persecution. This is a time to stand in solidarity with the future of Christians in Syria we all aspire to see.
The path ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but it cannot be navigated without our partnership in faith, prayer, and mutual support.
Christmas reminds us of the profound mystery of God incarnate as a child among us. While some, like Herod, sought to destroy Him, the Lord safeguarded Him until His mission was accomplished. May we strive to resemble the Holy Family, who nurtured and cared for Him, enabling Him to grow in “wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.”
Riad Jarjour, President of the Forum for Development, Culture, and Dialogue (FDCD), also sent an update, which was forwarded to us by Elmarie Parker. Please see our website page, "Updates on the Situation in Syria," to read his comments.
We will add additional updates to this webpage as we receive them.
Please consider making a year-end tax-deductible contribution to our mission network. See the donation instructions above.
Thank you to all who contributed toward our recent appeal for aid to Lebanese families displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Together, we raised $22,550. This money has been wire-transferred to the Compassion Protestant Society (CPS) and is being used for those in Lebanon now. Thank you for giving from your hearts!
Syria-Lebanon Partnership Network of Presbyterian Church (USA)