"We are concerned by reports of Christians from the village of Maaloula, near Damascus, being forced to convert to Islam by Syrian rebels allegedly led by al Qaeda-linked fighters," said the statement from Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and Ambassador for Religious Freedom Andrew Bennett. "Threats of violence used to forcibly convert individuals to another faith are completely unacceptable."

Maaloula, about 60 kilometres northwest of the Syrian capital Damascus, is home to two historic monasteries.  Residents speak a version of Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus. 

"Canada stands by the Syrian people, who deserve the freedom to practise their respective faiths without being persecuted," said the joint-statement. "This freedom is essential so that all Syrians, regardless of religion, can contribute to Syria's future without fear of intimidation and violence."

The al-Qaeda-linked rebels have been waging a battle to overthrow Bashar Assad's regime, which is dominated by minority Alawites.  The regime has been supported by Shia Muslims and Iran, through its terrorist proxy Hezbollah.  Sunni Muslims, who make up more than 70 per cent of the country, are supported by the Al-Qaeda rebels, many of whom have flooded in from outside Syria.

Christian leaders have opposed Western intervention in the conflict that has killed 100,000 and displaced 3.5 million people.  Christians make up 10 per cent of the population.