CWN - Christians in rebel-controlled areas of northern Syria are facing increasing persecution, according to the Melkite Greek Catholic archbishop of Homs.
“Islamic law is to be applied, while all Christian symbols which are publicly visible are to be destroyed,” Archbishop Jean-Abdo Arbach said in an interview with Aid to the Church in Need. “Also, Christians who wish to remain will in future have to pay a special tax.”
Elsewhere in Syria, the situation of Christians is improving. Many Christians have returned to Homs, the nation’s third-largest city.
“Government troops have almost complete control over the region, and the rebels control only four to five districts,” the prelate said.