OPINION:
Globally, Christians face an unprecedented surge in persecution.
Over the past decade, violence and oppression targeting Christians have reached heights not seen in recent history. Last year alone, 380 million Christians encountered what Open Doors describes as “high levels” of persecution involving violence, attacks on property and displacement. That’s 15 million more than the previous year, marking the highest figure ever recorded. Supporting this reality, the Family Research Council reports a 740% increase in violent incidents against churches since 2018.
This escalating persecution is not hypothetical; it impacts hundreds of millions worldwide who identify as followers of Jesus Christ.
For nearly a decade, I have actively addressed this troubling trend, traveling extensively and engaging churches on the global persecution of Christians. Nowhere is this crisis more severe than in Nigeria. A notable observation is the American church’s silence regarding the suffering of fellow believers. Despite expectations that the American church would respond to these crises with outrage and action, the general perception among the persecuted is that little support is forthcoming.
For instance, a video recently surfaced of a Nigerian pastor pleading for international help from a mass grave, and noticeably absent was any request for help from the American church. The painful reality is that many suffering Christians outside the U.S. believe their appeals to the American church often go unanswered.
Why is this the case? How has the church in one of the world’s most influential and affluent nations failed to champion those who cannot speak for themselves? Upon reflection, I believe the answer lies in the American church’s disconnect from the reality of faith-based suffering. Most American Christians have practiced their faith freely, facing little to no repercussions. This lack of personal experience with persecution leads to uncertainty about how to respond and, often, to inaction. Acknowledging the problem creates a sense of obligation, which can feel overwhelming, causing many to avoid the issue altogether.
To reverse this trend and become a meaningful support for suffering Christians globally, American Christians can take concrete actions that will truly make a difference. First, commit genuinely to prayer by individually and collectively interceding for those suffering. This could involve gathering small prayer groups, encouraging pastors to lead congregational prayers or using online meetings, as I recently did with 70 participants. If unsure how to begin, use a prayer guide for both the persecuted and the persecutors.
Second, actively raise awareness. Many organizations provide good information on what’s happening among persecuted Christians. They are more than happy to send you newsletters and emails to keep you updated. At Across Nigeria, we send out weekly email updates and a quarterly newsletter that helps keep all our followers in the loop on the persecution in northern Nigeria. We include not only the latest news and information but also updates on what God is doing among the persecuted church and how people can pray for our ministry.
To be informed is not passive; it’s active. To help others be aware, each of us must take active steps to be aware ourselves.
One great way is to participate in awareness opportunities, such as the upcoming event at the Museum of the Bible in Washington on Thursday, hosted by the Washington Policy Institute. Attend events, engage with panel discussions and invite others to join you in learning more about global Christian persecution. I will be sharing about Nigeria. Consider attending or following the event to stay engaged.
Last, but certainly not least, is to generously support Christians who need our help. Many organizations are doing a great job bringing aid to the persecuted church. Make sure it’s a reputable organization doing the work in the field. Do your due diligence by researching the organizations and prayerfully seek God’s leading before you give.
These three tangible steps — committing to prayer, raising awareness and giving generously — can empower every American Christian to directly affect the lives of those suffering for their faith. By acting on these practical suggestions, we can shift from silence to action and become a genuine source of support for persecuted Christians worldwide.
Correction: An earlier version of this op-ed incorrectly identified the author.
• Brad Brandon is the founder and CEO of Across Nigeria.
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