The Archbishop of Homs of the Syriac Catholics, Mons. Jacques Mourad, warned that the Islamic-Christian dialogue in Syria faces a structural obstacle: the refusal of many Muslim sheikhs to open up to encounters with other communities. As he explained to ACI Mena, the Arabic-language agency of EWTN News, the official religious authorities maintain that “Sunni Islam is the only true and state religion,” while other confessions are seen merely as tolerated guests.
The prelate described this situation as a “test of perseverance,” although he assured that he trusts in Muslims and officials “of good will” who work for mutual understanding. He highlighted that the continuity of dialogue initiatives, despite the difficulties, demonstrates “the strength of the Christian message and the value of reciprocal respect.”
A Recognition from the Vatican
On October 18, Mons. Mourad received in Rome the St. John Paul II Award, granted by the Vatican Foundation of the same name, which distinguishes people or works inspired by the teaching of the Polish pontiff. The bishop considered the award as “a stimulus to continue forward on the path of dialogue and fidelity to the Church’s mission,” especially amid the violence and suffering of his people.
Remembrance of His Captivity
The prelate also relived his kidnapping at the hands of ISIS in 2015, when he was brought before the so-called “governor of Raqqa.” He expected his execution, but instead he heard: “Peace be with you.” The jihadist leader told him that “in war there are always victims” and invited him to consider his imprisonment “as a spiritual retreat.” Mons. Mourad recounted that, from that moment on, his incarceration became an experience of prayer, silence, and hope: “God never abandoned me.”
Asked what he would say today to those who captured him, he responded without hesitation: “May God guide them.” He affirmed that the Christian cannot yield to hatred, and that forgiveness is the very center of the Gospel. “We must not let resentment and fear govern the heart,” he added.
The Church as a Hope for Reconstruction
Mons. Mourad emphasized that the Church in Syria remains the only institution in which the people fully trust, and that its role is to sustain the spiritual and human reconstruction of the country through schools, hospitals, and social projects. He asked the universal Church and the international community to support these concrete initiatives, as they are, he said, “the most realistic way to renew a wounded nation.”