Landmark Conference Held in Île-de-France: Christians of Syria — Between Hope and Exodus

SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, France — On 7 April 2025, the Île-de-France Regional Council hosted a historic conference titled Christians of Syria: Between Hope and Exodus at its headquarters in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine. This unprecedented gathering brought together the highest-ranking Christian dignitaries from Syria to discuss the existential challenges faced by their communities in the aftermath of the Syrian conflict.

The event saw the participation of notable figures, including President of the Île-de-France Region Valérie Pécresse, President of the Coordination of Eastern Christians in Danger (CHREDO) Patrick Karam, French Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau, and Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Daramsuq (Damascus) Archbishop Youhanna Jihad Mtanos Battah. The convergence of such prominent personalities highlighted the significance of addressing the critical plight of Christians in Syria.

Dans le cadre de l’évènement « Chrétiens de Syrie, entre espoir et exode » se tenant au siège de la #RégionIDF à Saint-Ouen (93), le ministre de l’intérieur @BrunoRetailleau a rappelé son soutien aux communautés chrétiennes victimes de violences commises par des groupes armés. pic.twitter.com/66PbAlNYlk

— Région Île-de-France (@iledefrance) April 7, 2025

Platform for Testimony and Dialogue

In her opening remarks, President Pécresse reaffirmed France’s role in championing the rights of persecuted minorities.

“France must be the voice of the voiceless and of persecuted minorities,” she declared, setting the tone for an event aimed at fostering international awareness and solidarity.

Patrick Karam, a French citizen of Lebanese Christian descent and President of CHREDO, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the gathering.

“For the first time in France, in Europe, and in the world, the highest dignitaries of the Christian churches of Syria are gathered to testify,” Karam remarked. Known for his advocacy for human rights and the protection of religious minorities, Karam has dedicated his career to championing justice for vulnerable groups. His Lebanese Christian heritage, combined with his extensive experience in public service, has shaped his unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the plight of Christians in the Middle East.

Archbishop Youhanna Jihad Mtanos Battah also addressed the gathering with a message of resilience.

“Despite the hardships we endure, our faith and cultural identity remain unshaken. We call on the international community to stand with us in safeguarding our ancient heritage and ensuring a future for our people in their homeland,” he declared. Archbishop Battah’s role as a spiritual leader has been instrumental in advocating for interfaith dialogue, as well as the preservation of cultural and religious identity for Christians in Syria.

The conference served as a platform for Syrian Christian leaders to share firsthand accounts of their communities’ struggles. Topics of discussion ranged from the destruction of cultural heritage to the pressing need for international assistance in ensuring the survival and reconciliation of these ancient communities.

Unified Backgrounds, Unified Mission

The presence of leaders like Patrick Karam and Archbishop Battah exemplified the unity and diversity of the Christian efforts. Karam, with his roots in the Lebanese Christian diaspora and a deep understanding of global human rights, and Battah, as a steadfast Syriac Catholic leader facing ground realities in Damascus, brought complementary perspectives to the table. Together, they represented both the global diaspora and local communities, echoing a collective call for action.

The conference underscored the precarious situation of Syrian Christians, whose numbers have dwindled due to years of displacement and persecution. Leaders called for concrete international measures, including the protection of these communities and the preservation of their rich cultural and religious heritage. As Archbishop Battah emphasized, the survival of these communities is tied not only to their historical significance but also to their vital role in Syria’s future.

This event marked a pivotal moment in raising global awareness about the challenges faced by Syrian Christians and reinforced France’s leadership in advocating for persecuted minorities. By blending perspectives from diaspora leaders like Karam with the on-the-ground realities presented by figures like Battah, the conference highlighted the power of collaboration in addressing the profound challenges faced by these ancient communities.