Bishop Meier visited Christians in Syria on solidarity trip
The Augsburg Bishop traveled to Damascus to assess the situation of the Christian minority and show support.
Augsburg Bishop Meier has arrived in Syria for a solidarity visit. As Chairman of the World Church Commission of the German Bishops' Conference, he wants to get a picture of the situation of the Christian minority and set a sign of support. Despite ongoing security risks, talks with church representatives, diplomats and political actors are planned. This was reported by Vatican News. The bishop is traveling to other places with ancient Christian tradition besides Damascus. The focus of the visit is on the future of Christians in Syria, whose numbers have massively declined due to war, persecution and emigration. Meier emphasized that the Christian presence has been an inseparable part of Syrian society for centuries and must not disappear.
After more than a decade of civil war and political upheavals, the situation for religious minorities remains uncertain. Many Christians live in fear of further violence and lack of prospects. During his stay, the bishop also wants to inform himself about humanitarian aid, particularly the work of church relief organizations, and examine possibilities for further support.
Previously, UOJ reported that the US Congress introduced legislation on Christian persecution in Nigeria.
