Aramean identity is advocated by a number of modern Syriac Christians, mainly those who are adherents of the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Syriac Catholic Church, as well as some who are adherents of the Maronite Catholic Church and the Melkite Catholic Church. They are mainly descended from western regions of the Near East, including various parts of modern Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and some southeastern parts of modern Turkey. Proponents of Aramean identity are also active throughout the Aramean diaspora, especially in some European countries, such as Sweden, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.