The Other Victims of the War in Syria: Christians Tortured, Terrorized, Killed and Driven From Their Ancient Home Comments

As we evaluate the various conflicts in the Middle East it is vitally important to be informed by news sources which paint the full picture of what is happening. Catholic Online is committed to being one of those sources. We are called to prophetically bear witness to the Truth as fully revealed in Jesus Christ. We are called to "bear one anothers burdens and fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2) Continue Reading

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Tom McGuire
6 months ago
Thank you for an excellent article on Christians in Syria. The centuries old struggle continues between people. Religion and politics all mixed together, groups on all sides claiming to have the truth and salvation are willing to kill and displace any who are considered the enemy. The history of the United States reflects this reality with the displacement and indiscriminate killing of native peoples.
How can we break out of the cycle of violence and war? St Francis of Assisi gives us an example. He lived in the Holy Roman Empire where war and violence was intended to get rid of Muslims, Jews and heretics. In 1219, Francis stood against the violence. He pleaded with Cardinal Pelagius, a Christian Comander of the Crusades, to stop the violence. When that did not work, he, with a companion Brother Illuminatus, in the spirit of love for their enemy, went to see the Sultan of Egypt, Malik-al-Kamil, who had promised gold to anyone who brought him the head of a Christian.
Francis and his companion were beaten and brought to the Sultan who asked: “Why do you come?” Francis replied that he was not sent by men but God to bring good news of salvation. The Sultan listened as Francis shared the good news without insult or refutation of Mohamed.
Both were transformed by the encounter. Francis returned to Italy and worked to break the enmity and misunderstanding that fueled the violence of the Crusades. The Sultan began to treat Christian prisoners with greater humanity.
We can follow the example of St Francis and open dialogue with our Muslim brothers and sisters who are our neighbors here in the United States. We cannot end the war in Syria but we can contribute to breaking down the enmity and misunderstanding that exists between Muslims today. In doling so, we will also fulfill the hope of Pope Benedict XVI who wrote about Christian Muslim dialogue in Verbum Domini: “...I express my hope that the trust-filled relationships established between Christians and Muslims over the years will continue to develop in a spirit of sincere and respectful dialogue.”
Mrs. Rene O'Riordan
6 months ago
Thank you Deacon Keith - a really good piece. I'm posting it on my facebook page - Blessings - Rene

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