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The National
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Damascus church bombing threatens political gains of both Christians and new Syrian state
Until a suicide bombing killed 20 people at a church in a low-income area of Damascus on Sunday, Christians had been spared the mass violence that has afflicted other minorities under the new Syrian state that replaced the Assad regime last year. The government, led by former Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) militants who split from Al Qaeda a decade ago, has been touting its good ties with the clergy and Christian community at large in recent months. The relationship has been part of its quest for Western backing of Syria's economic recovery efforts after 13 years of civil war. Foreign powers have called for an inclusive Syrian state as a condition of support for the new regime. Despite the killing by pro-government militias of more than 1,500 civilians from the country's Alawite and Druze communities during sectarian violence in March and April, efforts by Damascus to secure Western backing have gathered pace. Syria has deepened ties with Europe and reached normalisation with the US, a process ushered in by a meeting on May 14 between Syria's leader Ahmad Al Shara and President Donald Trump in Riyadh. Washington also decided to lift sanctions on Syria. US officials, who have previously condemned the killing of Syria's minorities, have said rapprochement with the post-Assad order is necessary to stabilise the nation and prevent wider violence. Syria, under Mr Al Shara, constitutes a bulwark against Iran and could become a signatory to the Abraham Accords, they said. But with the bombing of the Mar Elias Church in the capital's Dweila district on Sunday, the goal of the perpetrators was to 'create headlines' in the US and elsewhere, spreading the notion that Christians have become a target under the Islamist government, said prominent Syrian political commentator Ayman Abdel Nour. 'The objective is to weaken the state,' he told The National. Syrian state media reported that the church suicide bomber was affiliated with ISIS, whose sleeper cells have reportedly been taking advantage of the removal of the dictator Bashar Al Assad by seizing weapons left unsupervised in the wake of his fall. No one has declared responsibility for the attack, but if ISIS was the culprit it would indicate an expansion of the terror group in Syria. Mr Abdel Nour said the attack on the church, situated just outside the walls of Old Damascus, appears intended to inflict the maximum loss of Christian life. It occurred at Sunday evening mass, not in the morning, when the church has fewer worshippers, because Sunday is a work day in Syria. Even before Syria's civil war began in 2011, the Assad regime, dominated by the Alawite sect, portrayed itself as a bulwark against Sunni extremist groups such as Al Qaeda. The rise of ISIS helped it drive home that message, particularly among Syria's minorities. 'Dark ideology' Christians, who make up 5 per cent of the Syrian population, have been important politically for the new Syrian government, to the point that they were the focus of an invitation for two Republican members of the US House of Representatives to visit the country. The two politicians, who are ideologically close to Mr Trump, travelled to Syria on Easter weekend and met with the top figures in the clergy. The trip helped present a positive image of the new government and its attitude towards Christians and laid the groundwork for the ensuing rapprochement with the US. Commentators told The National that Mr Al Shara needs to do more to drive a wedge between his government and religious extremists. Human rights lawyer Firas Abdin said Mr Al Shara should visit the site of the explosion to show solidarity and not just send subordinates. He said the bombing was punishment for Christians for their support of the new HTS-led state. It was also an attempt 'to convince the Christians of Syria that the current government is extremist and change their view of the new epoch'. Political writer Wael Sawah said an official condemnation issued after the church attack was not enough. 'The Al Shara government must pursue those responsible and whoever stands behind them, and submit them to a public trial,' he said. Mr Sawah, a former political prisoner under the Assad regime, has been critical of the new government and its religious doctrine. Syria's leaders must condemn 'the dark ideology' behind the church bombing, he said. A senior regional security source told The National that Sunday's attack 'could be the gateway to a renewed era of terror'. 'It could be a calculated attempt to drag the region into far deeper turmoil, when all eyes are on the Israel and Iran war.'
Al Arabiya
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Syria says ISIS behind Damascus church attack, at least 20 killed
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Syria's capital Damascus on Sunday, health authorities and security sources said. It was the first suicide bombing in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad was toppled by opposition forces in December. Syria's interior ministry said the suicide bomber was a member of ISIS. He entered the church, opened fire and then detonated his explosive vest, a ministry statement added. Syria's foreign ministry condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to undermine coexistence in the multi-sectarian, multi-ethnic country. Syria considers 'this criminal act, which targeted members of the Christian community, a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and to destabilize the country,' the foreign ministry said in a statement. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, describing it as a 'terrorist' act. In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry 'emphasized the Kingdom's rejection of attacks on places of worship, the terrorizing of civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood,' and 'affirmed the Kingdom's support for the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.' The ministry also offered 'its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Syria, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.' The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack berated the militants behind the attack, calling it an act of 'cowardice.' 'These terrible acts of cowardice have no place in the new tapestry of integrated tolerance and inclusion that Syrians are weaving,' Barrack posted on X of the attack. 'We continue to support the Syrian government as it fights against those who are seeking to create instability and fear in their country and the broader region.' A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two men were involved in the attack, including the one who blew himself up. ISIS has been behind several attempted attacks on churches in Syria since al-Assad's fall, but this was the first to succeed, another security source told Reuters. Syria's state news agency cited the health ministry as saying that 52 people were also injured in the blast. A livestream from the site by Syria's civil defense, the White Helmets, showed scenes of destruction from inside the church, including a bloodied floor and shattered pews and masonry. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the offensive against al-Assad before taking over in January for a transitional phase, has repeatedly said he will protect minorities. 'We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria,' the Greek foreign ministry said in a statement. 'We demand that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable and implement measures to guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, allowing them to live without fear.' ISIS had previously targeted religious minorities, including a major attack on Shia pilgrims in Sayeda Zainab in 2016 – one of the most notorious bombings during al-Assad's rule. The latest assault underscores the group's continued ability to exploit security gaps despite the collapse of its territorial control and years of counterterrorism efforts.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
What the cluck?! 20,000 Christians condemn 'blasphemy' after cathedral art performance sees half-naked actors dance with plucked chickens in nappies
A bizarre cathedral art performance that sees scantily clad actors dance with plucked chickens in nappies has sparked outrage from Christians in Germany. The show was meant to be a solemn ceremony marking the 1250 year anniversary of Westphalia but instead turned into a shocking scandal. Although the audience reportedly enjoyed the performance, it ruffled feathers within the religious community after a video of it was shared online. More than 20,000 believers condemned the display as 'blasphemous' because it took place at the famous Paderborn Cathedral and have signed a petition demanding an apology. The clip showed semi-nude dancers performing a routine involving plucked chicken carcasses wrapped in nappies, while a song titled Meat is Meat played in the background. The petition said the show was a 'mockery of the central contents of the Christian faith' and a violation of a sacred space. The organisers point the finger directly at Archbishop Udo Markus Bentz, accusing him of failing in his duty to safeguard both the cathedral and the Church's moral authority. But Frank Tafertshofer, spokesperson for the Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe, which was responsible for the ceremony, told BILD: 'There was applause; I heard no complaints.' The petition read: 'It is appalling that you silently witnessed this blasphemous performance instead of intervening and protecting and defending the sanctity of your cathedral. 'We therefore call on you to perform an act of repentance and atonement with the re-consecration of the Paderborn Cathedral, which was desecrated by this performance.' The diocese has since apologized: 'Both the LWL and the Metropolitan Chapter of Paderborn express their sincere regret that the performance offended religious feelings. 'In the future, there will be a modified procedure for approving events in the cathedral, which will ensure a more thorough review of the content,' it said.
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- RNZ News
Gloriavale leaders refuse to apologise to former member
Gloriavale leaders have refused to deliver a personal apology to a former member for abuse at the Christian community, despite publicly offering to say sorry to victims who ask for one. Leavers say that's exposed their pledge as a PR stunt, as Jean Edwards reports. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- RNZ News
Gloriavale's offer to personally apologise to victims of abuse a 'PR stunt'
Former member Gideon Benjamin. Photo: Supplied Gloriavale's public offer to personally apologise to victims of abuse at the Christian community has been exposed as a PR stunt after leaders refused to say sorry, former members say. Leavers have shared details of email exchanges between former member Gideon Benjamin, Gloriavale servant Peter Righteous and lawyers with RNZ, showing Benjamin's request for an apology was rejected because he would not meet in secrecy. In January, Gloriavale's Overseeing Shepherd Howard Temple delivered a public apology on behalf of the church for abuse at the community between 1950 and 1999, following a Royal Commission of Inquiry recommendation last July. "We offer our deepest apologies that abuse had occurred in this time period," Temple said. "We invite victims to request a personal apology from the leadership on behalf of the church for not reporting known cases of abuse to appropriate authorities." Benjamin wrote to Gloriavale's leaders the same day requesting a personal apology for allowing his father, who was jailed last year, to "abuse people for 30 years and not getting him the help that he needed" or dealing with him appropriately. When he did not receive a response to repeated emails, Benjamin threatened to visit Gloriavale to verbally demand an apology. Righteous then replied, warning any trip would be pointless because he was suing current community members. "The path forward is not going to be assisted by you turning up in our community seeking an apology in respect to your father," he wrote. "In your case, you have active proceedings against the leaders making very serious allegations against us. We are not therefore prepared to meet with you on any terms, much less to discuss issues that are directly raised by you in your claim against us." Benjamin was a plaintiff in a multi-million-dollar class action lawsuit filed against Gloriavale and five government agencies by former members who claimed they were held as slaves from birth by the community's leaders. Benjamin's lawyer then requested an apology on his behalf - in private - with the offer of a confidentiality agreement. Gloriavale agreed to a meeting with Temple, proposing that "they each agree they will not disclose or discuss with any person or entity (other than those present) any content of the meeting, including any personal details, responses, acknowledgements or outcomes". Benjamin sought amendments that would allow him to tell current and former members that he had received an apology from the leadership, although the details were to remain confidential. "Gideon's position is Howard's apology was made public so why should the fact he received/did not receive an apology be kept secret," an email said. However, Benjamin's request was ultimately rejected in a final email last month; "The terms counter proposed for the meeting are not acceptable to our client. The meeting with Gideon will therefore not proceed". Gloriavale Christian Community on the West Coast, taken when it was visited by the Employment Court's chief judge on 25 February 2023. Photo: RNZ / Jean Edwards Benjamin, 26, was born into Gloriavale but left in March 2023. When approached for comment, the father-of-four told RNZ he gave the leaders every chance to keep their word. "I wanted to be able to say that I gave them every opportunity. It was pretty insane, the lengths I went to. Most people probably would have given up. I felt like it a few times," he said. "If they had been totally different and showed a true heart of repentance, that would have quite honestly shaken my brain. It would have been mind-blowing. Really all they did was just prove me right. They haven't changed. "It's just called them out as liars." Benjamin said he could not accept an apology in secret. "I want the truth to be heard, that's all. For so long there have been too many secrets, cover-ups, things just swept under the carpet. I've had enough of secrets," he said. Benjamin had planned to offer leaders his forgiveness at the end of the meeting, although he said that did not mean he would abandon court proceedings. "I was going to tell them that I forgive them, that the Christian thing for me to do was to forgive," he said. "I can forgive them but I won't stand by and allow wrong to keep happening. It's my job as a human being and as a Christian to stand up for what's right and that doesn't interfere with forgiveness." Gloriavale did not respond to RNZ's request for comment. Former Gloriavale member Virginia Courage said the leaders' response showed their offer was not genuine. "It just looks to me like they were doing another PR stunt. What are you trying to do to this person, traumatise them more?" she said. "An apology is something that's given freely. The acknowledgement and them taking responsibility is what will actually show leavers that Gloriavale has changed and that Gloriavale might be safe for the rest of our families inside. "A real apology isn't just words, it's what comes after those words. If the apology was backed up by action, they would stop fighting in court." Another Gloriavale leaver, who wished to remain anonymous, described the leaders' offer as a "box-ticking exercise" with a "nonsense" confidentiality agreement seemingly designed to protect them in court. "You don't ask someone to come to you. You know that these people are upset, you go, you find them," she said. Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust manager Liz Gregory said decisions about apologies were personal matters for leavers. Last July, the government was urged to do everything it could to ensure the safety of Gloriavale members and their children as a result of Royal Commission findings that leaders allowed physical and sexual abuse at the community. The Abuse in Care inquiry found the Overseeing Shepherd and senior leaders at fault for failing to prevent abuse and protect survivors, and inappropriately handling perpetrators, allowing them to remain at Gloriavale and continue offending. Temple was facing 27 charges of sexual offending against 10 girls over a period of more than 20 years and would face a judge-alone trial in Greymouth. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
