Challenges for Christians in Post-Assad Syria

Following the fall of Assad’s regime, many Christians in Syria are now opting to conceal their religious symbols and refrain from publicly expressing their faith, according to Ryan Brown, head of the Christian rights organization Open Doors. He shared these insights during a recent discussion with Breitbart News.

Brown’s remarks came amid the release of Open Doors’ annual publication, which monitors global Christian persecution. With projections looking towards 2026, the group estimates about 388 million Christians face systematic persecution worldwide. Open Doors actively tracks these issues and provides emergency support and training for church leaders in affected areas.

This year, as in previous years, North Korea continues to rank as the most hostile environment for Christians, largely due to decades of harsh suppression instigated by the Kim regime. Syria ranked sixth on the list, seeing a notable 12-point spike. This increase is mainly attributed to the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist leader from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who succeeded Assad.

“The rise of HTS and the end of Assad’s rule created new pressures for Christians,” Brown said, describing the realities captured in the report, which concluded in September 2025. “Since the transition, the ensuing instability has led to violent conflicts affecting multiple religious minorities, leaving Christians particularly vulnerable.”

Open Doors observed that resurgence in military activity by the Islamic State since late 2024 further escalated concerns for Christians, such as the deadly church attack in Damascus in June 2025.

HTS has historically distanced itself from the Islamic State, which is notorious for its brutal anti-Christian actions. Both groups have roots in al-Qaeda, yet their approaches to governance and religious tolerance differ significantly. Assad’s regime, while oppressive, often leveraged Christian communities for political gain, contrasting sharply with the current realities under HTS.

After Assad’s departure, Sharaa quickly transformed his image, shedding his jihadist past in favor of a more moderate persona, asserting a desire to create an inclusive Syria. Following the regime change, there are reports of the dismantling of HTS, potentially transitioning it into a formal military force. Meanwhile, state-run media has been promoting a narrative of peaceful Christian celebrations.

This narrative has found favor with some Western leaders, including President Trump, who has previously praised Sharaa. However, the on-ground reality for Christians remains precarious. Under Sharaa’s leadership, an Islamic constitution has been put in place, and Islamist factions (some aligned with HTS) continue to impose pressures on Christians.

In June, a tragic bombing at Mar Elias church resulted in 22 fatalities, underscoring the ongoing threat. As fires ravaged through predominantly Christian areas, many speculated whether these incidents were intentional, drawing attention to the lack of governmental support.

Despite Sharaa’s government attempting to frame itself as accepting of Christianity, Open Doors reports that many Christians view the current regime as a significant threat. They have noted ongoing acts of violence and persecution. “While there may be glimpses of hope in public celebrations, our findings highlight that the broader reality for Christians is distressing,” Brown remarked. “In our reports, we’ve confirmed that at least 27 Christians were killed for their faith just in the last year, contrasting sharply with the previous year.”

Beyond the violence itself, the 2025 interim constitution established Islamic law as the primary basis for governance, causing many Christians to hide their faith and symbols due to fears of radicalism. Churches have limited their operations for safety.

Brown characterized the situation as “fluid and uncertain,” emphasizing that despite a declining Christian population, persecution remains high. “In Syria, the count has dropped significantly, now estimated at around 300,000, compared to hundreds of thousands a decade ago,” he noted.

He further explained that a reduced population does not equate to reduced persecution. Minority groups often find themselves more vulnerable, losing the protective buffer typically offered by larger numbers.

“Open Doors, through collaboration with local partners and churches, strives to support Syrian Christians as they navigate this complex reality,” Brown concluded, expressing concern over the long-term implications of HTS’s governance on religious freedom.