Church bombing in Damascus sparks sectarian tensions as Syrian Christian leaders call for unity

Key political and religious figures in Syria have issued a call for calm following sectarian tensions and confrontations that erupted after the bombing of the Mar Elias Church in Damascus.

The 22 June bombing killed 25 people and injured more than 60, according to Syria's health ministry. Authorities described the attack as a "cowardly terrorist suicide bombing".

While no group immediately claimed responsibility, the interior ministry said preliminary investigations pointed to Islamic State (IS) group involvement.

Local media described the timing of the attack as particularly sensitive, with Syrian authorities already grappling with security challenges. Efforts are underway to identify the perpetrators and uncover their motives.

IS has emerged as the primary suspect, with reports suggesting the group may be attempting to regain attention by striking unexpected locations and targeting minority communities. Syrian media reports said such attacks could be aimed at provoking sectarian unrest and destabilising the country further during its transitional phase.

Syria TV report pointed to remnants of the former Assad regime. Some suggest these elements may be seeking to stage attacks to justify a return to stronger security measures, portraying the post-Assad era as unstable.

Syria TV and other local media outlets have also speculated that Iran, foreign intelligence agencies, or organised criminal groups could have played a role in the attack. The New Arab cannot verify any of these claims.

Since the bombing, there have been several reported incidents of violence across the country.

In Latakia province, a man was shot dead on Wednesday evening by unidentified gunmen. Local speculation initially linked the victim to the Mar Taqla Church, but Latakia's public relations director, Nour al-Din Brimo, later clarified that the man was a construction worker and unrelated to the church.

Meanwhile, Syrian security forces are also investigating a separate attack on the Umm al-Zennar Church in Homs.

Christian leaders urge unity

In response to the unrest, prominent Christian figures released a joint statement urging national unity and calling on the state to take stronger action against sectarianism and extremism.

The statement encouraged authorities to promote justice, equality, and religious tolerance, and expressed the signatories’ willingness to support efforts to rebuild Syria on inclusive and democratic foundations.

"We call on all political, social and religious actors to exercise wisdom and caution in their statements and actions," the statement said. "We must adopt a message that unites, not divides, and close the loopholes that allow those who seek to destabilise our country to exploit our differences."

Since the bombing, churches across Syria have held vigils. Leaders from Greek Orthodox, Maronite, Armenian, and Catholic communities have issued statements demanding greater protection for places of worship and the preservation of Syria's religious diversity.