The picture shows a rebel in Syria. It is rebels like these who persecute Christians.
Christians in the Syrian city of Raqqah have been given the choice of either:
- to convert to Islam,
- Complying with the rules of an oppressive contract
- or being considered enemies of Islam to be fought, which means risking your life.
Can only hold services behind closed doors
It is reported that the Christians have chosen to sign the contract, which means they must pay a special tax and can only meet behind closed doors in churches - in a way that is not visible or audible to Muslims. There must also be no visible Christian symbols in public.
Christian women must be covered
The Danish European Mission's partner, Middle East Concern, also states that in public, Christians must comply with Islamic rules for trade, dress and diet.
...and may not repair church buildings
In addition, they are not allowed to restore or repair church buildings or monasteries that have been damaged - either as a result of the fighting in Syria in general, or due to deliberate vandalism.
The rules were issued by the radical Sunni Muslim group, the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS), as a contract to be signed by the leaders of the Christian communities. Subsequently, the contract was published on extremist websites. The rules are a formalization of a system that has apparently been operating informally since ISIS took control of the city.
At the beginning of 2011, Raqqah had a population of approximately 300,000, of which it is estimated that only about 3,000, or 1 %, were Christians.
Give relief to the persecuted Syrian Christians
Syrian Christians need your help now. Many are fleeing degradation like that faced by Christians in Raqqah. Give them relief packages today. At the same time, Christians are also providing relief to others in need: the many internally displaced people, the hungry, vulnerable women, mothers with young children and the sick.
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