Below is a call to prayer from the Office of the General Assembly.

 Church leaders call for prayer after kidnapping of Syrian Christian leaders       We ask Presbyterians to join in prayer for the bishops, who have been kidnapped, and for the Christian community in Syria and the wider Middle East. We pray for a just peace where all Syrians are welcomed, respected, and protected.

We recognize the significant roles played by those leaders. Faithful shepherds, they have been working in humanitarian efforts, accompanying the beleaguered Syrian Christian community and encouraging their members to remain in their land. Additionally, those kidnapped, are recognized as pillars in Muslim-Christian dialogue in the region, working for mutual respect, mutual understanding, and solidarity.

The abduction of the leaders and members of clergy, is followed by opposition forces often seizing Christian property as they move their troops through the country. Many churches have been destroyed by heavy bombing and mortar attacks.