Syrian Christians Urge Congress to Repeal Caesar Act
In a letter obtained by Breitbart News, a coalition representing the top Christian authorities in Syria—including Catholics, Orthodox, and evangelicals—is urging Congress to eliminate the Caesar Act and its related sanctions. The letter states, “We, the Christian clergy of Syria, send you an urgent humanitarian and Christian appeal to completely and permanently abolish the Caesar Act and its associated secondary sanctions.” The clergy argue that the law serves as a significant barrier to reconstructing the Syrian economy and contributes directly to the ongoing exodus of Christians from Syria.
They assert that the sanctions hinder both the government’s and potential investors’ ability to rebuild crucial infrastructure, depriving the Syrian population of fundamental needs like electricity, clean water, education, and healthcare. While acknowledging President Donald Trump’s previous suspension of the Caesar Act, the group emphasizes the need for Congress to follow through with a complete repeal.
For Syrian Christians, repealing the Caesar Act is a critical issue as it provides an opportunity for long-term economic and social stability, allowing them to remain in their homeland rather than being forced to emigrate.
Nearly nine months after the Assad regime’s downfall, the sanctions are cited as a primary reason for the diminishing Christian presence in Syria, risking the historical roots of Christianity in the region. The removal of the law would also enable those in the diaspora to financially support local communities, contribute to rebuilding churches harmed during the conflict, and invest in projects aimed at retaining young people in the country.
Further, Christian leaders have expressed concern over what they perceive as a misleading narrative that has entangled Syrian Christians in the “tragic violence afflicting other regions of Syria.” They stated, “While we continue to pray for peace and safety for all innocent civilians, we are deeply concerned that deceptive narratives like this one will only lead to sectarian conflict and further suffering and division in our country.”
In their conclusion, they appealed to Congress to be a supportive force for the enduring presence of Christians in Syria and to endorse values of freedom, dignity, and justice through the repeal of the Caesar Act.
Back in May, President Trump indicated, “To give Syria a great opportunity, I am ordering a suspension of sanctions against Syria.”
Representative Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) also emphasized the urgent need for Congress to act on removing the sanctions. In a recent op-ed, he expressed gratitude for leading bipartisan legislation supporting the Trump Administration’s position on this issue. He mentioned the current law restricts investment opportunities due to the uncertainty surrounding sanction reimposition.
President Trump’s policy of giving Syria a chance by lifting sanctions is a strategic coup, but Congress must still do its part and repeal the sanctions it mandated.
He continued to advocate for efforts to uphold the president’s policies and noted that support from Syria’s most senior Christian leaders made it clear that repealing the Caesar Act is vital for promoting stability and supporting minority communities in the country.
