Today, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomed the National Council of Churches (NCC) letter to President Obama which stated: "While Syrians of all religious communities are caught up in this horrible conflict, of particular concern to us are the Christian communities, which are often the most vulnerable," reported the Assembly.
The NCC's letter was sent on the same day that the Assembly and the Diocesan Legate met with Administration officials at the State Department to discuss U.S. assistance and support for the Armenian community in Syria.
"One situation that has just come to our attention is the attack on the Armenian villages of Kesab. Though this attack comes in the wider context of the overall Syrian conflict, it nevertheless has brought death and destruction to the Christian communities there," the NCC letter reads in part. The letter specifically urged the President to "safeguard the vulnerable Christian communities" and to "restore stability to the Armenian communities of Kesab."
Founded in 1950, the NCC has been a leading force for ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the United States. The 37 NCC member communions - from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches - include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
"On behalf of the Armenian Assembly and the entire Armenian American community, we welcome the National Council of Churches letter and appreciate their solidarity and willingness to help end the suffering of the Christian Armenian community in Syria," stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.