Churches send humanitarian aid kits to Syria

Around 75,000 humanitarian aid kits have been sent to people caught up in the ongoing conflict in Syria.

The kits contain food and other basic necessities and have been distributed in and around Damascus by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the All East.

The Church has also been assisting people in need with housing, education, health and psychological support.

An emergency programme has been in operation since the start of the winter to distribute warm clothes, blankets and stoves.

"With the help of God, and your support, we can reach these families in need and provide them with life-giving care," said Samer Laham, director of the Church's Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development.

"Our resources are limited and we appeal to our Diaspora, friends, and partners to continue to assist the people of Syria."

Nearly 70,000 people have died since the start of the conflict in 2011, according to United Nations estimates.

Around a million Syrians are believed to have left the country to escape the fighting.

News
AI could become a ‘very dangerous master’, warns John Lennox
AI could become a ‘very dangerous master’, warns John Lennox

Apologist and Oxford mathematician John Lennox warned Christians that artificial intelligence could contribute to a generation becoming increasingly disconnected from Scripture and cautioned that technology meant to serve humanity can become a “very dangerous master.”

Catholic baptisms fall sharply across Ireland as births decline and secularisation grows
Catholic baptisms fall sharply across Ireland as births decline and secularisation grows

The number of Catholic baptisms taking place across the whole island of Ireland has fallen by almost 30% over the past decade, with declining birth rates and the growth of religious non-affiliation identified as the main reasons.

Against backdrop of conflict and tough working conditions, seafarer happiness falls
Against backdrop of conflict and tough working conditions, seafarer happiness falls

Seafarer wellbeing has declined for the second consecutive quarter as heavy workloads, restricted shore leave and concerns over pay increasingly weigh on crews, according to new research from The Mission to Seafarers.

When Eastern Europe appeared to be going Protestant
When Eastern Europe appeared to be going Protestant

The crucial question is: why did so much of the early Protestant advance subsequently disappear?