As Syria sees an escalation of violence that has resulted in attacks on innocent civilians, the leaders of three key churches in the region have called for peace and an end to "horrific acts".

John X, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church and Youssef Absi, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, came together to issue a joint statement.

More than 1300 people died at the weekend after clashes between troops and supporters of deposed leader Bashar-al Assad. Thousands have fled their homes, many from the Alawite Muslim, Druze and Christian communities.

Syrian Church leaders believe Christians were among the dead, but exact details remain unclear. 

In the joint statement, the patriarchs said: "The Christian Churches while strongly condemning any act that threatens civil peace, denounce and condemn the massacres targeting innocent civilians, and call for an immediate end to these horrific acts, which stand in stark opposition to all human and moral values."

They also called for conditions that would help to create "national reconciliation" and unity within the country, adding: "We pray that God may protect Syria and its people and that peace may prevail throughout the land."

Sharing the statement online, Dr Harry Hapogian, an international lawyer, ecumenical advisor and political observer, said:

"I share this statement from 3 key churches in Syria. They, like all other communities, have a stake in future peace and [re-]construction of Syria. Think Syrian, not sectarian."