Fresh conflict in Syria threatens 'new exodus of Christians'

The Archbishop said that Western countries including the UK needed to acknowledge their own "mea culpa" for the current situation in Syria. (Photo: Unsplash/JRomeo)

Turkey's incursions into northern Syria are threatening a "new exodus of Christians", Aid to the Church in Need has warned. 

Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo told the charity that two Christians were killed on Thursday during attacks in Qamishli, in the north-east of the country. 

He said that around half of the Catholics and Orthodox Christians in Qamishli have already fled since 2010, with a similar proportion having left nearby Hassaké. 

With the launch of the Turkish assault this week, he fears that the area will be depleted of the remaining Christians. 

"Now the conflict has become even more serious and I fear that many will emigrate," he said. 

He added: "I fear a similar exodus, if not a greater one."

He further warned that ISIS fighters could infiltrate Europe through Turkey following reports that thousands along with their families are on the run after a strike on Chirkin prison in Qamishli. 

But the Archbishop is frustrated not only with Turkey but the international community over its own military interventions in the country in recent years. 

"The United States, Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Germany should all offer their own mea culpa," he said. 

"They acted in Syria for their own interests, hiding behind the ideals of freedom and democracy. Instead they have done nothing but weaken our country at the expense of its own people."

He said: "As always, everyone has their own interests, but it is we Christians who will suffer the consequences."

Without support from the US or other powerful nations, the Archbishop believes that the Kurds will lose the fight with Turkey. 

But he was also critical of defensive actions by the Kurds. 

"It was not a clever move from the Kurds. It was clear that no one would help them. Now they will lose everything," he said. 

News
Scots urged to reject ‘extreme’ assisted suicide legislation
Scots urged to reject ‘extreme’ assisted suicide legislation

Scottish voters are being urged to contact their MSPs ahead of a Stage One vote in Holyrood next week. 

Jeremy Clarkson warns Christianity is 'in danger' amid falling birth rates
Jeremy Clarkson warns Christianity is 'in danger' amid falling birth rates

Broadcaster and columnist Jeremy Clarkson has issued a stark warning about the future of Christianity, suggesting that a sharp decline in birth rates across the Western world could pose an existential threat to the faith’s long-term survival.

Trump denies any involvement in AI pope image amid Catholic backlash
Trump denies any involvement in AI pope image amid Catholic backlash

The controversy erupted just days before a historic Vatican conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis.

More churches embrace AI in ministry but pastors prefer to write their own sermons - study
More churches embrace AI in ministry but pastors prefer to write their own sermons - study

More churches across the U.S. are embracing the use of Artificial Intelligence in their ministries, but pastors have stopped short of using the technology to prepare their sermons, data from the State of the Church Tech 2025 report shows.