Kinship Network

Here's an interesting article about Germany's new effort to send Syrians back to their homeland. It's a complicated question addressed in a discussion of Christianity Today staff.

German Chancellor to Syrian Refugees: 'Go Home' - Christianity Today But will some Germans lose their local doctors?

An article about rising fears among Christians in Syria especially after the church bombing that killed 25 in Damascus reminds us to pray:

The Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo said threats have emerged in its aftermath, including graffiti in Hama reading “your turn will come too” and leaflets posted on Christian homes with the phrase “Syria must be cleansed,” alongside images of bombs and rifles.

While authorities have pledged protection and deployed security during Christian celebrations, confidence is low, the archbishop explained. “People do not believe in them. Fear and despair prevail.” He added that many armed groups do not heed the current government. He warned of increasing Islamist influence, citing gender-segregated public spaces and intrusive moral policing.

“In such episodes, many people begin to say: This is no longer our country,” he said, noting that many young Syrians are seeking to emigrate. Much of the country remains unstable. “There is no police on the streets… Bread still costs ten times more than it used to,” he said. “The worst thing is the high prices of medicines, surgery and rents.”

From Welcome.US, a large secular organization that has championed refugee resettlement. They write:

Recent media reports have indicated that the U.S. government is considering revoking AS SOON AS APRIL the parole status of newcomers who arrived in the U.S. through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) sponsorship program. This policy change could be applied THIS MONTH to newcomers who arrived in the U.S. through the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.

In the midst of rapidly changing policies for so many newcomers, it’s an important opportunity to make your voice heard in support of sponsorship programs and newcomers. Your representatives in Congress need to hear directly from constituents like you who support sponsored individuals who entered the U.S. through legal and orderly pathways.

Our easy-to-use tool connects you directly with your federal representatives, providing sample messages that you can personalize to share why this issue matters to you.
https://engage.welcome.us/a/uscis-parole-message

There is much helpful information on their site. https://welcome.us/

Welcome.US | Join our welcoming community A national initiative built to inspire, mobilize, and empower Americans and institutions nationwide to welcome and support those seeking refuge in the U.S.

This week the US government removed some restrictions on aid designated for Syria from humanitarian organizations. Pray that this aid reaches those most desperate. Some had had little to eat since the rebels took control of the country. Ask God to work in the hearts of the new government to allow Christians to worship.

U.S. Eases Some Restrictions on Humanitarian Aid to Syria The authorization comes after rebels toppled the Syrian government last month and is intended to allow humanitarian groups to operate more freely without running afoul of U.S. sanctions.