WCC expresses deep sorrow, alarm over recent eruption of violence in southern Syria
World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep alarm and sorrow over the recent eruption of violence in the Suweida Governorate of southern Syria, which has led to the death of at least 940 people, widespread injuries, mass displacement, and serious violations of human dignity and international law.
“We join our voices with those of religious leaders, international actors, and Syrian civil society in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of all civilians, and accountability for atrocities committed,” said Pillay. “We are particularly grieved by credible reports of extrajudicial killings, sectarian incitement, mistreatment of detainees, and the desecration of sacred human remains — all of which further tear at the fragile social fabric of Syria and endanger the prospects of national reconciliation.
Pillay urged that these acts be condemned without hesitation and investigated transparently, with perpetrators held accountable in accordance with the principles of justice and dignity for all.
“As a fellowship of churches committed to justice, peace, and human rights, we lift up the voices of the people of Suweida who have courageously rejected sectarian violence and continue to call for a peaceful, just, and inclusive future for Syria,” he said. “We echo the appeal of His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, for an end to the bloodshed and for renewed efforts at dialogue and mediation to safeguard the lives and dignity of all communities.”
Pillay also expressed deep concern that the recent events in Suweida — along with escalating violence in the coastal region, Jaramana, Sahnaya, and the devastating suicide attack on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus — point to growing fragility in Syria’s transition.
“These tragedies reflect not only a deterioration in security but also deepening social wounds,” he said. “In such a context, efforts toward national healing and stability must go hand-in-hand with inclusive participation, a credible process of reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to justice and accountability. Dialogue, too, remains essential — not as a symbolic gesture, but as a sincere space for restoring trust and shaping a future rooted in dignity for all Syrians.”
Pillay reaffirmed the World Council of Churches’ commitment to standing with the people of Syria in their pursuit of dignity, living together, and peace. “Through our ongoing engagement with our member churches and partners, we remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that promote healing, trust-building, and dialogue,” he said. “We urge regional and international actors, to refrain from further escalation.”
In particular, Pillay expressed grave concern over the Israeli military strikes, which have further fuelled the conflict and increased the suffering of civilians. “Such interventions only deepen the crisis and threaten to entrench divisions,” he said. “The protection of all Syrian citizens must come not through foreign military action, but through a genuine, inclusive national process rooted in the rule of law, accountability, and equal rights for all — regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.”
Click here to read the full statement by Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay.