09/18/2018 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – Local media reports indicate that the last church building in Kobani, Syria was destroyed 30 years ago and the last Christian meeting was 55 years ago. However, the same media outlets report that 300 Christians live there in the town. At long last, a church is now opening in Kobani. Some of the members include believers who fled Afrin when Turkey invaded earlier this year.

Syria’s Christians, including converts, have been heavily targeted by all sides throughout the civil war which started in 2011. Historically, Christianity has a long presence in Syria. However, years of building pressure and restrictions have increasingly kept Christians from securely practicing their faith. This pressure comes from both the governing authorities and the community.

While the opening of a new church in Kobani is wonderful news, there are still many points of concern. Security of Syrian Christians remains an ongoing problem. Uncertainty about which governing authority to obey is also a restrictive barrier for the public practice of faith. A lack of predictability about the future makes it hard for Christians to know where to seek safety. Even as the church in Kobani opens, there are many examples to show just how precarious the situation of Christians is throughout Syria.

For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].