Churches Are Safe Havens For Syrians of All Religions

Syrians fleeing violence in major cities have found refuge in Christian churches in neighboring towns, writes Salam Hafez. He talks to priests who say their churches are caring for at least 6,000 displaced people, providing Syrians from all religious backgrounds with food, medicine, clothing and even schooling. 
Fireworks explode over the Muslim and Christian Syrian town of Maloula, north of the capital Damascus, September 13, 2009, to celebrate the eve of the Feast of the Cross, to commemorate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri (SYRIA SOCIETY RELIGION IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Fireworks explode over the Muslim and Christian Syrian town of Maloula, north of the capital Damascus. 2009. - REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri

Syrians fleeing violence from cities and villages under siege are seeking refuge in Christian churches in neighboring towns.

Christian churches in Syria are caring for at least 6,000 internally displaced people and have formed an outreach service serving thousands more, two priests from Damascus and Homs and a Syrian political activist said.

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