“In Jesus Christ, you too are being built together.”
Republican lawmakers in both chambers of the U.S. Congress have introduced a joint resolution strongly condemning the persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority countries. The resolution also calls for religious freedom to be made a central priority in American foreign policy.
The resolution was introduced on July 18 by Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). It cites numerous examples of persecution occurring in countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Syria, Türkiye, Iran, and Pakistan.
The resolution highlights serious human rights violations, including the targeted killing of Christians, forced church closures, arrests of pastors, coerced religious conversions, and restrictions on worship. It urges former President Donald Trump to utilize diplomatic tools—including trade and security negotiations—to end such persecution. Nigeria, in particular, is noted as the country with the highest number of Christians killed for their faith.
Rep. Moore stated, “It is absolutely unacceptable that our brothers and sisters are being persecuted simply for confessing the name of Jesus Christ. In Nigeria alone, over 50,000 Christians have been martyred, and more than 5 million displaced because of their faith.”
Sen. Hawley emphasized that the United States must not remain silent while Christians are suffering worldwide. He also urged former President Trump to take strong action and commended his past decision to pardon pro-life activists who had been prosecuted under the Biden administration.
The resolution also references the recent deadly attack on a cathedral in Damascus, Syria, where an Islamic extremist opened fire and detonated a bomb during Mass, killing at least 30 people and injuring dozens more.
Additional examples include the widespread closure of churches and the arrest of pastors in Algeria, the kidnapping and forced conversion of Christian girls in Egypt, and violent attacks by Fulani militants and Boko Haram in Nigeria. One recent massacre in Benue State saw militants shout “Allahu Akbar” as they slaughtered around 200 displaced Christians.
The resolution also mentions the cases of Nigerian gospel singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, sentenced under blasphemy laws, and Rhoda Jatau, a Christian woman imprisoned for sharing a video critical of the lynching of a Christian student.
Several religious freedom organizations, including Global Christian Relief, CatholicVote, and Christians Engaged, have voiced strong support for the resolution, urging the U.S. government to take meaningful action.
Rep. Moore further criticized past U.S. foreign policy, particularly the 2003 Iraq War, for contributing to the collapse of Christian communities in the region. “We must no longer stand by and allow Christian populations to be destroyed through our inaction,” he said. (Source: The Christian Post ,Edited version)
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:21-22)
God, we thank You for moving U.S. Republican lawmakers to raise their voices for the safety and freedom of persecuted Christians, refusing to turn a blind eye to the suffering in Muslim-majority countries. Lord, remember our brothers and sisters who suffer for the name of Jesus around the world, and deliver them from every threat. May the prayers and obedience of Your church sustain true worship—offered in spirit and in truth—even in places of persecution. Build up the Church of Jesus, joined together and united in Christ, firmly established across America and the nations. Let the day come quickly when all peoples turn to You.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
