US Evangelical Churches Delegation in Homs

HOMS, (ST) _ A delegation representing the Evangelical Christian churches in the USA, headed by Secretary-General of the National Evangelical Synod in Syria and Lebanon Rev. Fadi Dagher visited Homs yesterday to know the reality of the situation in the governorate.

The visit covered several churches in the Old City, including the Archdiocese of the Assyrian Catholic Church, Um al-Zinnar church, and the Evangelical Church. The delegation was briefed on the effects of the devastation and destruction against the city as a result of acts of sabotage by terrorist organizations and on the underway restoration and rehabilitation work.

Members of the delegation held prayers and appealed to the God Almighty for restoring security and stability to Syria. They also visited Khalid Ibn al-Walid Mosque in the city of Homs.

During his meeting with members of the delegation, the governor of Homs Talal Brazi said that Homs began recovering from the effects of the crisis, thanks to the victories of the Syrian, the steadfastness of the people in the face of terrorism and the return of security and stability to most areas of the province.

Dagher, for his part, pointed out that the aim of the visit to stand by the Syrian people in this difficult stage and to convey the correct picture of what is happening in Syria to the American public, wishing the return of security and stability to Syria as soon as possible.

In a statement to SANA member of the delegation Chaplain Anthony Lawrence who is also patron of the Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania said that members of the delegation will convey the true picture of what they have seen in Syria and, “I will urge our government to work for peace and in Syria, and above all we will pray for her.”

Delegation member Marlene Post said, ” that Syria is a peace-loving country and wants to be a peace factor in the region,” expressing her displeasure of what she has seen of the effects of the destruction and sabotage on the ancient city, and expressed hope for the return of security and stability to all regions in Syria to enable the displaced to return to their homes and lead normal life.

For his part, rev. Nihad Tohme coordinator between the Presbyterian Churches in America and the national Evangelical Synod in Syria and Lebanon, explained that the aim of the visit is to emphasize that “there are churches abroad interested in what is happening in Syria, to stand side by side with its people and to see reality by knowing it directly from the Syrian. “

“The war in Syria is not for freedom nor democracy, but a war against terrorism and extremist obscurantist ideology which aimed to undermine Syria’s  regional and national role and neutralize and marginalize it, ” Tohme said.

T. Fateh