WACC calls for freedom of expression and peaceful reforms in Syria

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> News Release

**WACC calls for freedom of expression and peaceful reforms in Syria**

WACC calls for an end to violence in Syria and for respect and
tolerance for peaceful freedom of expression. At the same time WACC
has joined in a call for a day of fasting and prayers for peace by the
Council of Bishops of the Christian Churches of Damascus, Syria.

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The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) calls for an
end to violence in Syria and for respect and tolerance for peaceful
freedom of expression. WACC hopes reform steps will lead to inclusive
participation of all parts of society in decision making processes.

"At the recent pre-assembly seminar of the WACC Middle East region,
WACC members highlighted the importance of freedom of expression in
creating inclusive, democratic societies. We are therefore urging the
Syrian government to respect the right to freedom of expression of the
people of Syria", says WACC General Secretary, Rev. Karin
Achtelstetter. She also appealed to all parties to seek peaceful
resolutions.

At the same time WACC has joined in a call for a day of fasting and
prayers for peace by the Council of Bishops of the Christian Churches
of Damascus, Syria. In a statement issued by the Council which was
convened at the invitation of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate, the
Bishops are urging on Christians and other Syrian citizens to join in
fasting and prayers, today June 23, at the Holy Cross Church of the
Greek Orthodox in Kassa's area, Damascus.

"Today and more than ever before, we refer to prayer and fasting for
the sake of safety of Syria, the country of tolerance and
coexistence", says the Bishops.

The Council of Bishops also condemned "Foreign interference in
Syria" and asked the Syrian citizens to be united. "Our hope is
that Syria will overcome this crisis and find itself in a better shape
which may protect it from any danger that might threaten its
existence, or divide it, or lead its citizens to seek refuge into
other countrie", said the Bishops in their statement.

> Read full statement here?

<http://www.waccglobal.org/images/stories/news/wacc/syria-bishops-statement .jpg

Recently, the WACC-Middle East held a conference in Brumana, Lebanon,
to promote freedom of expression in the Middle-East region and to urge
professional communicators to work together to create an international
support network for partners, to monitor and disseminate cases of
repression of freedom in the region. The Syrian Orthodox Church, which
was represented at the conference, applied to join WACC.

WACC believes that communication is a basic human right that defines
people's common humanity, enables participation and challenges tyranny
and oppression.

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