END PERSECUTION
Motivated by "Love of Neighbor," we are Christians praying and advocating for all who face persecution because of their religion or belief. While we always remember the Persecuted Church, we also recognize our non-Christian neighbors who face persecution and need help. As a testament to God's love for all and our commitment to living out the Great Commandment, we pledge to stand up for anyone facing religious persecution.
A Biblical Imperative
Pandemic of Persecution
Every Community is Persecuted Somewhere
per·â€‹se·â€‹cu·â€‹tion: Violence, such as torture, beatings, jailing, rape, death and destruction.
Research indicates that almost two out of three people on earth live in countries that restrict the free practice of faith. Christians are regularly targeted because of their faith in Jesus Christ. But others also suffer – Muslims, Hindus, Baha'is, Yazidis, even atheists – because of their beliefs. They too are loved by God, with dignity as his image bearers, and need our help.
Statement of Faith
Defending and praying for all who are persecuted, we believe God calls all Christians to stand against religious persecution, regardless of faith or nationality. While we will always remember and help the suffering church, non-Christian neighbors often face violent persecution on account of their faith as well. They, too, are of concern to God. All persons persecuted on account of their beliefs (or non-beliefs) deserve our prayers, advocacy, and action because:
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Every person is made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:14; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24; James 3:9)
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God loves his creation. (Psalm 36:5-7; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 145:9; Job 12:10; John 3:16; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:9–10; Ephesians 3:18-19)
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Every person has freedom of conscience. (Mark 9:23-24; John 8:36; Romans 14:2-3)
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God has a heart for justice. (Micah 6:8; Psalm 10:17–18; Psalm 82:3–4; Proverbs 24:11; Matthew 25:31–46; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 13:3)
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Jesus taught his followers to love their neighbors and commanded them to “go and do likewise” in helping others. (Luke 10:25-37; 1 John 4:16; Deuteronomy 15:7–8)
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The Bible teaches about engaging a pluralistic world. (Matthew 13:30; Acts 17:21-23; Acts 20:35; Romans 12:19-20)
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Helping non-Christians helps the church long-term, especially in minority contexts. (Proverbs 3:27; Proverbs 21:13; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 6:30; Philippians 2:3-4)