The Archbishop of Homs of the Syriac Catholics, Jacques Mourad, stated that the Islamic-Christian dialogue in Syria faces a challenge derived from the official position of the Muslim sheikhs, who refuse to open the doors to encounter and dialogue with other communities.
The sheikhs consider Sunni Islam, he said, to be the only true religion and the only state religion, while they see the others as mere guests.
Receive the main news from ACI Prensa by WhatsApp and Telegram
It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channels today:
In a recent interview with ACI Mena — EWTN News’ Arabic agency — Bishop Mourad explained that this attitude is adopted by some official Muslim religious authorities. He described this reality as a test and a call to perseverance and continuity, stating that he trusts Muslims and officials of good will to advance together on the path of understanding.
He added that the continuity of dialogue initiatives, despite the difficulties, demonstrates the strength of the Christian message and reinforces mutual respect between different communities.
A Vatican award
On October 18, at the Vatican, Bishop Mourad received the “Saint John Paul II Prize,” an award created by the John Paul II Vatican Foundation “to honor people, organizations or initiatives that, in their scientific, cultural or social activities, are inspired by the teaching or example of Saint John Paul II and contribute to promoting his legacy in the Church and in the world,” according to the foundation’s website.
The Syriac bishop described the award as a personal encouragement and confirmation of the importance of continuing along the path of dialogue and assuming responsibility in difficult times. He explained that the recognition encourages Christians and Syrians to remain faithful to the mission of the Church: to proclaim the love of Christ to Muslims and respect others without discrimination.
Captivity at the hands of ISIS
Bishop Mourad recalled his experience of being kidnapped by ISIS in 2015, recounting his meeting with “the governor of Raqqa.” He thought that the man had come to behead him, but he was surprised when he greeted him with the words: “Peace be with you.”
When Bishop Mourad asked why he had been captured, the governor responded: “In war there are always victims,” and told him to consider his captivity as “a spiritual retreat.” Mourad then felt great peace, and his prison became an experience of prayer, meditation and hermitage, he said.
His life there, he added, became a prayer full of hope that God would never abandon him.
When asked what his message would be today for those who imprisoned him, Bishop Mourad responded: “May God guide you.” He emphasized that forgiveness and mercy are essential in the Christian faith, and that hatred has no place in the heart of the believer. He invited people not to let resentment and fear dominate their hearts, despite the widespread pain and rejection in society.
The prelate said that treating others with love is the duty of the Christian, even in the most difficult circumstances. He added that the central message for young people should be to preserve spiritual and moral values in every situation.
Rebuild Syria
The Syriac bishop stressed that the Church in Syria remains the only institution in which everyone trusts. He noted that his current role is to support social transformation and reconstruct the human person through schools and hospitals.
He called on the universal Church and the international community to support the Syrian Church through concrete educational and health projects, as, he said, they are the most realistic means to contribute to the renewal of the nation.
Translated and adapted by ACI Prensa. Originally published in CNA.
Elias Turk
Elias Turk is the Vatican/Rome editor for ACI Mena.