Churches demand UN action to halt Syria violence

The Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB), Methodist Church and United Reformed Church (URC) are calling upon the United Nations to "unequivocally condemn" the ongoing violence in Syria.

In a statement to mark the first anniversary of the uprising, the Churches express dismay at the level of violence being committed by the Syrian regime against civilians.

The UN estimates that around 8,000 people have died in the last year of protests and crackdowns.

The three Churches urged the UN Security Council to demonstrate a united opposition to the violent actions of the Syrian regime and pass a resolution calling for an immediate halt to the killing.

"We are dismayed by the Syrian Government’s violent and unrestrained attacks on its own citizens, resulting in thousands of deaths and significant numbers of refugees flooding into neighbouring countries. Such action cannot possibly be justified," the statement reads.

The Churches said that the mediation of UN Special Representative Kofi Annan was "crucial" and "deserves the undivided support" of the international community.

They expressed the concern that the violence could escalate if diplomatic initiatives fail.

"The United Nations Security Council must unequivocally condemn Syria’s state-sanctioned attacks on its own people and we support the call by humanitarian and human rights groups for a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate end to the killing," they said.

The statement further urged armed groups to allow humanitarian agencies unrestricted access to areas suffering without adequate food or medical supplies.

"Our prayers are for a halt to the bloodshed and for diplomacy and mediation to offer a way forward for the Syrian people."

They add: "As Christian communities we are also concerned for the Syrian Christian churches and communities that represent a minority in the land. With them we long for a nation in which all can live in security and peace under the law."

The statement was signed by the Rev Leo Osborn, President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Dr Kirsty Thorpe, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, and the Rev Jonathan Edwards, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

They asked Christians across Britain to pray for the nation using this special prayer:

Dear Lord,

Our hearts grieve as we witness the escalating violence and needless deaths in Syria. We identify with the sorrow of all Syrians who now see their country riven with conflict and the potential for increasing animosity between parties.

We pray for a speedy resolution to the political crisis and for a realisation by the Syrian Government that people’s aspirations for a stake in how and by whom they are governed will not go away.

Lord may Christians, Muslims and all people of faith in Syria unite to build peace and justice for all.

When you walked among us you rejected the way of the sword. May all parties in Syria realise the futility of violence, the right of peaceful protest and the need to protect civilian life in all circumstances.

We pray for wisdom and greater unity on the for regional and international powers, and lift before you our own Foreign Secretary, as governments determine how best to respond.

We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the author of peace, to whom all hearts are known,

Amen.