Islamic law forbids the construction of new churches. Christians are “forbidden to ring church bells or display crosses, recite the Torah or Evangel aloud, or make public display of their funerals and feastdays, and are forbidden to build new churches” – Reliance of the Traveller o.11.5 (6,7)
“Casualties reported in missile attack on Syria church opening ceremony,” The New Arab, July 24, 2022:
Deaths and injuries were reported after an attack on a church opening ceremony in central Syria on Sunday.
At least two people were killed and more than 10 others wounded when a missile targeted a mass gathering in the Al-Suqaylabiyah in the Hama governorate, reported state-run SANA.
The ceremony marked the opening of the Hagia Sophia church, the construction of which began in 2020.
SANA accused Turkey-linked “terrorist groups” of firing the missile, a label given by the Syrian regime to most opposition groups in the war-torn country.
It did not provide further information.
Videos on social media showed moments the attack happened as well as the aftermath.
Other pro-regime reports said drones spotted flying over Al-Suqaylabiyah were “being dealt with by the Syrian army and national defence units,” adding that one armed drone crashed near the site of the official attack.
It was not immediately made clear who was responsible….
