Believers in the U.S. and worldwide must stand in solidarity with Christians facing violence and persecution
WASHINGTON— A British envoy’s warning that Christianity could be “wiped out” in several nations as persecution of believers rises is a call to action and solidarity, International Christian Concern (ICC) (persecution.org) said today.
David Smith, the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), told a recent briefing at the country’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office the government would focus its attention on 10 nations — Vietnam, Algeria, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq — to prioritize FoRB rights.
Smith said the government selected these nations due to the severity of need, the U.K.’s diplomatic ties, and the possibility of achieving progress.
According to a report in The Christian Post, Smith cited data showing 380 million Christians face persecution globally and said, “Persecution on the basis of religion or belief, enacted by States themselves and social groups, is taking place on every continent in the world.”
ICC president Jeff King said believers in the U.S. have a responsibility to support the persecuted: “We must remain steadfast in our faith as a Christian nation and unite with our brothers and sisters across the world who face violence and persecution, and as a result, face being wiped out. Christianity has endured for over 2,000 years; a faith so strong and deeply rooted in history should not and cannot be ‘wiped out.’”
Mr. Smith, who is the Labour Party MP for North Northumberland, previously worked with the Bible Society and the Tearfund charity. He said that, along with monitoring anti-Christian persecution, attacks on Baháʼís and Ahmadiyya Muslims would also be monitored.
“The U.K.’s effort is a noble one, although we wish they would extend their efforts to all areas where Christian believers live in fear for their faith,” ICC’s King said. “As Mr. Smith undertakes this program, we hope all democracies will focus their human rights efforts on helping those who face religious persecution.”
Jeff King has served as International Christian Concern (ICC) (persecution.org) president since 2003 and is one of the world’s top experts on religious persecution. He has advocated for the persecuted everywhere, testifying before the U.S. Congress on religious freedom. He has been interviewed by leading media outlets such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and The Washington Times. Jeff is also the host of “Faith Under Fire,” a podcast dedicated to sharing stories of the persecuted church from around the world. “Faith Under Fire” is available on LifeAudio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available. Jeff King is available as a guest speaker. To learn more, go to Christian Persecution and Spiritual Growth Speaker | Jeff King Blog.
Since 1995, ICC has served the global persecuted church through a three-pronged approach of assistance, advocacy and awareness. ICC exists to bandage the wounds of persecuted Christians and to build the church in the toughest parts of the world. Visit the International Christian Concern media page here.
Jeff King is the author of three books: “The Whisper” (2024), “Last Words of the Martyrs” (2023) and “Islam Uncensored” (2011). Jeff is available to speak at churches and events. For speaking, contact Jaela Bernard: jaelabernard@gmail.com.