Caught in the Crossfire: Syria’s Christians and the Druze Minority

The CPAC Christian Persecution Coalition stands in unwavering solidarity with Syria’s Druze and Christian communities, who once again find themselves caught in the crossfire of regional instability, sectarian violence, and extremist terror. CPAC remains committed to condemning these injustices against Christians and defending the right of all people to worship freely and without fear. The bombing of Mar Elias Church in Damascus, which took the lives of over 30 innocent worshippers, is a painful reminder of the growing threat to Christians and Druze simply for practicing their faith. 

Violence in southern Syria, especially in Suweida province, has intensified as clashes erupt between Druze militias, Bedouin fighters, and remnants of Assad-era forces. These power struggles are destabilizing areas where Christian and Druze minorities have historically found relative refuge. Despite public claims of protection, the breakdown of order has left these communities and Christians increasingly exposed to both targeted attacks and the broader chaos of civil unrest.

We also recognize the plight of Syria’s Druze community, whose religious and cultural distinctiveness places them in similar danger. As Frank Pavone recently stated to Newsmax, "True faith should never be spread through violence. If you need to kill innocent people to defend your religion, you must not have much confidence in the truth of your religion.” These words reflect the moral clarity we must bring to this issue: religious persecution is an insult to God and a betrayal of humanity.

While this centers on the recent targeting of the Druze community, it’s critical to recognize that the persecution of religious minorities in Syria is part of a larger, disturbing trend. We continue to hear that Christians, like the Druze, are being deliberately targeted, with churches bombed and worshippers killed simply for their faith. These attacks are not isolated. They reflect a larger pattern of religious cleansing, in which the Syrian regime and other militant actors exploit chaos to intimidate, suppress, and eliminate communities that do not conform to their preferred religious or political identities. This wave of persecution makes clear that anyone who is not part of the dominant Muslim population, particularly Christians and Druze, is increasingly vulnerable. 

We call on all actors to uphold the dignity of life and ensure that Christian communities, along with other vulnerable minorities, are not collateral damage in geopolitical powerstruggles. Humanitarian aid, international attention, and diplomatic pressure must be deployed to protect civilians and religious heritage sites. 

The persecution of Christians in Syria is not an isolated tragedy, it is part of a global pattern that demands action. The Coalition remains committed to advocating for those whose voices are silenced, whose churches are bombed, and whose lives are imperiled simply because they follow Christ.

We urge our partners, faith leaders, and policymakers to speak out and act boldly. The world must not look away.

In collaboration with Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, Kingdom Mission Society, Africa New Day, and ACLJ.