{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-moore-introduces-resolution-condemning-persecution-christians", "Congressman Moore Introduces Resolution Condemning the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria", "2025-11-07", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Riley M. Moore", "M001235", "rileymoore.house.gov", "rileymoore", "https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Riley M. Moore introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria and supporting President Donald J. Trump\u2019s announcement to officially designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. This bold decision is a clear message to the world that the United States will never turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being martyred for their faith.\n\nThis resolution draws attention to the horrific persecution Christians face across Nigeria. 50,000-100,000 Christians have been murdered since 2009. At least 7,000 Christians have been killed this year alone - an average of 35 deaths each day. 19,000 churches have been destroyed. Data from Open Doors indicate that more Christians are killed every year in Nigeria than the rest of the world combined.\n\nThis resolution supports President Trump as he seeks to utilize every tool at the United States\u2019 disposal - diplomatic, economic, humanitarian, and security - to defend Christians in the region. The measure also reaffirms America\u2019s commitment to defending the right of Christians to worship freely without fear of violence, persecution, or death.\n\nEarlier this month, Congressman Moore sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Trump Administration to take \u201cimmediate action to address the systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians in Nigeria,\u201d highlighting the nation\u2019s growing reputation as \u201cthe deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.\u201d\n\nPresident Trump previously designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020, but President Biden removed the designation in 2021.\n\nCongressman Riley M. Moore issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis resolution condemns the horrific persecution of Christians in Nigeria. For far too long, the world has turned a blind eye to the suffering of innocent Christians\u2014entire villages destroyed, churches burned, pastors tortured, families torn apart. This grave suffering must end now.\n\nI\u2019m calling on all my colleagues - both Republican and Democrat alike - to unite in defense of faith and freedom. The United States must make it clear that we will not tolerate the slaughter of Christians or the persecution of anyone for their belief in Jesus Christ.\n\nI want to thank President Trump for his bold and unwavering leadership in defense of Christians in Nigeria. His official designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern will save the lives of thousands of Christians.\n\nI am grateful for President Trump\u2019s trust in me to lead this effort in the House alongside Chairman Tom Cole.\u201d\n\nJoining Congressman Riley M. Moore on this resolution are the following members of Congress: Representatives Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Mary Miller (IL-15), Andrew Clyde (GA-09, Ralph Norman (SC-05), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Mark Alford (MO-04), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Barry Moore (AL-01), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Greg Steube (FL-17), Addison McDowell (NC-06), John James (MI-10), and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12).\n\n\u201cThe slaughter of Christians in Nigeria is one of the greatest moral crises of our time. For years, radical Islamic terrorists like Boko Haram have murdered, raped, and burned entire villages simply because men, women, and children refused to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. America cannot be silent in the face of such evil. I\u2019m proud to stand with President Trump, Representative Riley Moore, and the rest of my colleagues supporting this resolution. This isn\u2019t about politics, it\u2019s about principle. Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. We will not look away. We will not be silent. We will stand for the persecuted and fight for their right to live and worship in peace,\u201d Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) said.\n\n\u201cEvery day, innocent Christians in Nigeria are brutally attacked, displaced, and murdered simply for their faith in Jesus Christ. This persecution has gone on for too long, and under President Trump\u2019s leadership, it will end. I\u2019m proud to co-sponsor Rep. Riley Moore\u2019s effort to condemn this violence, defend religious freedom, and stand with the Christian communities in Nigeria who are suffering for their faith,\u201d Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) said.\n\n\u201cThe ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria is one of the most egregious violations of human rights and religious freedom so far this century. We cannot turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters in Christ being slaughtered and persecuted at the hands of radical Islamists. I fully support President Trump\u2019s decisive action to protect Christians in Nigeria, and I thank Rep. Riley Moore for his strong leadership on this critical matter,\u201d Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) said.\n\n\u201cThe persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a moral outrage. No government should turn a blind eye to innocent men, women, and children being slaughtered for their faith, and the world cannot look away while believers are hunted. This evil demands truth, not silence\u2014and it must be condemned in Nigeria and across the world,\u201d Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) said.\n\n\u201cWhat\u2019s happening in Nigeria is pure evil,\u201d said Congressman Van Drew. \u201cNo one should ever be killed for their faith, yet thousands of innocent Christians are being slaughtered simply because they believe in God. The United States must stand for religious freedom everywhere. I\u2019m proud to be a cosponsor on this important resolution because silence in the face of this kind of persecution makes us complicit,\u201d Congressman Van Drew (NJ-02) said.\n\n\u201cI applaud Representative Moore for speaking out against the escalating genocide of Christians. His leadership comes at a critical moment when extremist militants continue to slaughter the most vulnerable while the world ignores the devastation. More than 7,000 Christians have been killed this year alone in Nigeria, making this country the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian. Evil thrives in darkness, and I am grateful to Representative Moore for shining a light on this ongoing atrocity. May God have mercy on these persecuted communities and may He protect them from further annihilation,\u201d Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08) said.\n\n\"The ongoing brutal attacks against Christians in Nigeria should shake every American to the core. We applaud President Trump's move to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this resolution with Congressman Moore and our colleagues to help ensure targeted Christian communities receive real protection. We stand ready to fully support decisive action from the Trump Administration to stop these heinous attacks and end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria once and for all,\u201d Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) said.\n\n\u201cOver 50,000 Christians in Nigeria have been insensibly slaughtered by the satanic Boko Haram terrorists simply for being Christians,\u201d said Rep. Stutzman. \u201cAmerica is supposed to be the beacon of religious freedom worldwide. It is our responsibility and our duty to step in and stop the senseless killing and protect the innocent. I am proud to stand with President Trump and Congressman Riley Moore in taking action to put an end to this senseless bloodshed,\u201d Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) said.\n\n\u201cThe slaughter of Christians in Nigeria is one of the largest human rights crises happening in our world today. Families are being torn apart and churches burned simply because of their faith. I\u2019m proud to stand with President Trump and Rep. Riley Moore as we continue to confront violence and discrimination at the hands of Islamic terror groups in Nigeria. Faith is not a crime, it\u2019s the cornerstone of freedom, and we must defend it wherever it\u2019s under attack,\u201d Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01) said.\n\n\u201cI am proud to stand with my good friend Rep. Riley Moore in condemning the evil persecution of Christians in Nigeria by the Islamic terror group Boko Haram. These men and women should be free to worship and serve God without suffering unimaginable violence, seeing their churches and villages burnt to the ground, and fearing for their lives and their children\u2019s lives. Thank you, President Trump, and thank you, Rep. Riley Moore, for standing up for religious freedom everywhere,\u201d Congressman Brandon Gill (TX-26) said.\n\n\u201cI am honored to join President Trump and Congressman Moore\u2019s efforts to save Christians in Nigeria by calling attention to an atrocity that the media has largely ignored. With this resolution, we will put the Nigerian government and Boko Haram on notice that the United States will not stand idly by while Christians are slaughtered. I will always stand up and fight for religious freedom,\u201d said Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA).\n\n\u201cThe persecution of Christians in Nigeria is unacceptable, and the United States will not remain silent, will not be complacent, and will not turn away while Christians face violence and discrimination for their faith. I commend President Trump and Rep. Riley Moore for leading America in confronting this horrific violence and defending people of faith,\u201d said Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04).\n\n\u201cThe targeted killing of Christians in Nigeria is not just persecution, it is a violation of human rights that borders on genocide. The United Nations' failure to intervene has allowed this to continue for far too long. Thankfully, President Trump is not allowing the United States to turn a blind eye. I\u2019m proud to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ by cosponsoring Congressman Riley Moore\u2019s resolution to condemn these violent acts,\u201d Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) said.\n\n\u201cThe targeted killing of Christians in Nigeria is not just persecution, it is a violation of human rights that borders on genocide. The United Nations' failure to intervene has allowed this to continue for far too long. Thankfully, President Trump is not allowing the United States to turn a blind eye. I\u2019m proud to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ by cosponsoring Congressman Riley Moore\u2019s resolution to condemn these violent acts,\u201d said Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17).\n\n\u201cWhat is happening in Nigeria, the slaughter of Christians in the region by the Islamic terror group Boko Haram, is a barbaric attempt to suppress Christians around the world. Americans will not stand by as lives are lost in the name of freedom of worship and the right to serve. Every man, woman, and child has the right to pray to our Savior without fear of deadly violence,\u201d Congressman Addison McDowell said. \u201cStanding by as this happens is not an option. It\u2019s not how I was raised, and it is not indicative of America. I\u2019m proud to stand with President Trump and Congressman Riley Moore to draw awareness to the situation in Nigeria and condemn the actions of Boko Haram,\u201d said Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06).\n\n\u201cWhat\u2019s happening to Christians in Nigeria is pure evil. Thousands are being murdered for their faith, churches are being burned to the ground, and the Nigerian government is doing nothing to stop it,\u201d said Congressman Norman. \u201cPresident Trump had it right when he called this persecution out for what it is. It\u2019s time for America to stand strong again and make clear that we will not sit by while innocent Christians are slaughtered. We must always stand with those who suffer for their faith,\u201d said Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05).\n\nThe following organizations have endorsed Congressman Riley M. Moore\u2019s resolution: Alliance Defending Freedom International, Catholic Vote, Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Faith and Liberty, American Center for Law and Justice, Eagle Forum, Christian Legal Society, In Defense of Christians, Family Policy Alliance, Christian Employers Alliance, Christian Medical & Dental Associations, Faith & Freedom Coalition, First Liberty, Heritage Action, Kingdom Mission Society, Christian Defense Coalition, Stanton Policy Institute, International Christian Concern, Ambassador Services International, Christian Solidarity International, Global Peace Foundation, Patriot Voices, Open Doors, IRF Secretariat, Shai Fund, Save the Persecuted Christians, Leah Foundation, International Committee on Nigeria, CSW UK, CSW US, and CSW Nigeria, Jubilee Campaign, American Association of Evangelicals (AAE), Set My People Free, Christian Freedom International, Katartismos Global, African Jewish Association, Boat People SOS (BPSOS), Coalition to Abolish Modern-day Slavery in Asia (CAMSA), Friends of Thien Am Monastery, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), Levant Council of the United States, Saint Nicholas Freedom Group, American Islamic Congress, Anglican Persecuted Church Network, Global Anglican Fellowship Suffering Church Network, Committee for Religious Freedom in Vietnam, For the Martyrs, the Doctor James Dobson Family Institute, Help the Persecuted, International Christian Rescue Mission, Liberty Relief International, the Buddhist Solidarity Association, and the Africa Working Group of the IRF Roundtable.\n\n\u201cFor far too long, Christians in Nigeria have suffered, with thousands every year losing their lives for simply living out their faith. We applaud and proudly endorse this resolution from Representative Riley Moore as a major step forward in protecting human dignity and religious freedom in Nigeria. Now that the world is watching, there is no better time than now to help our Christian brothers and sisters and put an end to the persecution and horrific violence they have faced,\u201d said Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International.\n\n\u201cNigeria has become a kingdom of martyrs, the deadliest place in the world for Christians. The slaughter of more than 52,000 Christians and attacks on more than 20,000 churches by Islamic terrorists makes Nigeria responsible for roughly 82% of all Christians killed worldwide for faith-related reasons.\n\nRep. Riley Moore's new resolution shines a bright light on the brutal persecution of Christians in Nigeria. By condemning these atrocities and backing President Trump's leadership, Rep. Moore courageously stands with our persecuted brothers and sisters, demanding accountability and action to end this massacre. Together, President Trump and Rep Moore are true guardians of religious freedom.\u201d Kelsey Reinhardt, President and CEO of Catholic Vote said.\n\n\u201cHaving hosted at our Ministry Center in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation for the International Religious Freedom Conference, we learned firsthand the horrors Christians daily face at the hands of Islamic terrorists. We stand in solidarity with Members of Congress to defend Christians in Nigeria against the genocide they are currently experiencing,\u201d Peggy Nienaber, Senior Vice President of Faith and Liberty said.\n\n\u201cThe American Center for Law and Justice stands with Congressman Moore in condemning the brutal murder of Christians in Nigeria. Every day, innocent men, women, and children are being slaughtered simply because of their faith in Jesus Christ. We will work alongside Congressman Moore and President Trump to stop this murderous religious persecution.\u201d Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the American Center for Law and Justice said.\n\n\u201cThousands of Christians in Nigeria are being slaughtered simply for their faith. The United States must stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank President Trump for designating Nigeria as a \u201cCountry of Particular Concern\u201d and urge all Members of Congress to pass Congressman Riley Moore\u2019s resolution to condemn Nigeria\u2019s actions,\u201d said Kris Ullman, President of Eagle Forum.\n\n\u201cIn Defense of Christians (IDC) proudly endorses Congressman Riley Moore\u2019s resolution condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The resolution rightly affirms President Trump\u2019s decisive action in designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern\u2014sending a clear message that the United States will hold perpetrators accountable and stand firmly with vulnerable Christian communities. While Nigeria is among the world\u2019s most severe epicenters of anti\u2011Christian violence, Congressman Moore\u2019s broader work in Congress also highlights a growing and deeply troubling global trend of Christian persecution in Muslim\u2011majority countries (H.Res.594)\u2014reminding us that America must remain resolute in defending Christians wherever they suffer for their faith,\u201d Richard Ghazal, Executive Director of In Defense of Christians said.\n\n\u201cCongressman Riley Moore\u2019s resolution comes at a critical moment. For years, Christians in Nigeria\u2014especially across the Middle Belt\u2014have endured unspeakable violence: churches burned, families massacred, entire villages erased\u2014with little accountability. This resolution not only honors the memory of more than 50,000 Nigerian Christians killed for their faith, it also confronts the impunity that allows such atrocities to persist. Protecting religious freedom must be central to U.S. policy in Nigeria and across Africa. Lasting stability depends on safety and justice for all Nigerians, regardless of faith.\u201d Senator Rick Santorum, Chairman of Patriot Voices said.\n\n\u201cThe evidence is clear: persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a reality. Freedom of religion or belief is a basic right, and no one should be killed for their faith. As the world debates motives and terminology, as some try to make this an issue for the right or the left, we call on you to remember that behind every statistic is a real person. A father. A mother. A daughter or son. This is an issue everyone should care about. It is an issue about humanity. What is needed now is immediate and concrete action to protect vulnerable people and address the needs of all those affected,\u201d Open Doors said.\n\n\u201cFor more than a decade, advocates at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable have worked to draw attention to the escalating crisis in Nigeria. Further, In 2019, we supported the launch of IRF Roundtable Nigeria to start working to build religious freedom from the ground up. Congressman Riley Moore\u2019s resolution sends a strong signal that the United States will not ignore systematic attacks on Christians and other vulnerable communities. Ending impunity and ensuring equal protection under the law are essential steps toward stability and peace. We welcome this resolution as a clear statement that America stands with all Nigerians seeking safety, justice, and freedom of belief. IRF Secretariat will continue to support all efforts to build religious freedom, peace, and prosperity there,\u201d Greg Mitchell, Founder & CEO of IRF Secretariat said.\n\n\u201cIn Nigeria's blood-soaked fields, tens of thousands of Christians have and continue to be slaughtered by jihadists. The world should not avert its eyes while radical Islam devours the faithful. Thank you Congressman Moore and President Trump for shedding light on this issue and their push to end this international travesty,\u201d said Craig DeRoche, President and CEO of the Family Policy Alliance.\n\n\u201cThe Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) hopes and prays that Christians in Nigeria can worship and live by faith without the threat of persecution. The United States should make a bold stand in protecting vulnerable populations for the sake of religious freedom which is the bedrock of our country,\u201d Brick Lantz, MD, Vice President of Advocacy and Bioethics of Christian Medical & Dental Associations said.\n\n\u201cPersecuted Christians need the commitment of our lawmakers to protect them when they are facing severe persecution. Representative Moore's resolution and his tireless voice for the persecuted as represented in this resolution, is a powerful sign ensuring Congress stands ready to use every diplomatic, economic, and security tool available. The leadership of President Trump in maintaining Nigeria's Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation, communicating a zero tolerance for that persecution, and the President's pressure on Nigeria by considering every tool at his disposal are crucial to saving Christian lives. This resolution follows this bold leadership,\u201d said Alexei Laushkin, Founder of Kingdom Mission Society.\n\n\u201cInternational Christian Concern is grateful for Congressman Moore\u2019s tireless advocacy on behalf of persecuted Christians in Nigeria. His resolution rightly calls out the jihadist violence that has terrorized Christian communities for decades and honors the memory of more than 50,000 Nigerian Christian martyrs. We thank Congressman Moore for remembering our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and for his steadfast commitment to defending all who suffer persecution for their faith,\u201d International Christian Concern said.\n\n\u201cNigerian Christians face relentless violence\u2014churches burned, villages razed, families slaughtered simply for their faith. Thousands have been killed; countless more displaced. As Hebrews 13:3 commands us: \u201cRemember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.\u201d This isn\u2019t distant news\u2014these are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Their persecution demands our attention, our prayers, and our action. We cannot remain silent while fellow believers are martyred for the name of Jesus. Supporting Pres. Trump\u2019s efforts to protect Nigerian Christians isn\u2019t political\u2014it\u2019s biblical obedience and Christian solidarity with the suffering Church,\u201d Ambassador Services International said.\n\n\u201cChristian Solidarity International is pleased to endorse this important resolution from Representative Riley Moore. The resolution correctly diagnoses two ways in which the Nigerian government enables the massacre of Christians in Nigeria, especially Nigeria\u2019s Middle Belt: 1) the impunity which Fulani militias and other actors who massacre Christians currently enjoy; 2) and the sharia criminal law and blasphemy laws imposed in twelve Nigerian states, which foment anti-Christian sentiment and Muslim supremacy. Importantly, the resolution also identifies returning displaced Christians to their homes as a priority, and encourages the delivery of direct aid to victims of persecution. Hundreds of thousands of Christians from Nigeria\u2019s Middle Belt region are internally displaced, and they are typically overlooked in international aid distributions. The United States can protect Christians in Nigeria, but sustained engagement is key. We support this resolution as a means to make that engagement a reality,\u201d Christian Solidarity International said.\n\n\u201cThe Global Peace Foundation (GPF) strongly supports Congressman Riley Moore\u2019s resolution condemning the ongoing violence and widespread loss of life in Nigeria. The crisis there is highly complex. It is driven not only by attacks on religious communities but also by ethnic tensions, weak governance, environmental stress, and the manipulation of identity for political gain. These factors have harmed Christian, Muslim, and traditional communities alike. GPF affirms that every person has inherent, God-given dignity, and that freedom of conscience, belief, and religion is a universal right vital to peaceful and thriving societies. As seen in our work across Africa and worldwide, sustainable peace depends on strengthening social cohesion across faiths, promoting principled leadership, and empowering locally grounded solutions that build trust and shared security. This resolution rightly highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities, ensure accountability for violence, and develop long-term strategies to reduce conflict and uphold the rule of law. We are ready to work with diverse partners to promote peace, defend freedom of conscience and belief, and build resilient, inclusive communities in Nigeria,\u201d Global Peace Foundation said.\n\n\u201cShai Fund commends the U.S. government for recognizing the growing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The suffering of innocent people must not be overlooked. This CPC designation is an important step towards ending the targeted campaign of violence. We urge continued action to protect all people of faith, promote justice for victims, and support lasting peace and freedom for every Nigerian,\u201d Charmaine Hedding, President of Shai Fund said.\n\n\u201cWe strongly support Rep. Riley Moore\u2019s efforts to spotlight the abduction and forced conversion of Christian women and girls in Nigeria to Islam. His leadership brings critical attention to religious persecution and gender-based violence, urging global action to protect vulnerable communities. By amplifying voices like Leah Sharibu\u2019s, Rep. Moore is advancing human rights, religious freedom, and justice. We urge policymakers to join him in confronting extremism and supporting survivors,\u201d the Leah Foundation said.\n\n\u201cWe fully support Rep. Riley Moore\u2019s efforts to defend persecuted Christians in Nigeria who are being violently attacked, displaced, and killed by radical Fulani militants. These targeted assaults have devastated farming communities, stripping families of their livelihoods and security. Rep. Moore\u2019s leadership is vital in urging international and legislative action to protect religious minorities, restore stability, and hold perpetrators accountable. His voice is helping ensure that these atrocities are not ignored,\u201d the International Committee on Nigeria said.\n\n\u201cWe welcome Nigeria\u2019s redesignation as a CPC and endorse this resolution, which will assist in ensuring that the suffering of Christian communities in central and northern Nigeria, which has persisted for decades, is finally addressed decisively, and that their plight will continue receiving the international focus it has long merited. We reiterate our appeal to the government of Nigeria to view the CPC designation as an encouragement to address the mass killings, forcible displacement and land seizures in northern and central Nigeria, and the systematic discrimination and violations in Shari\u2019a states, with greater urgency. We also urge the Nigerian authorities, once again, to engage positively with this process, and to view it as an opportunity to secure the assistance needed to trace and hold funders, facilitators and perpetrators of religion-related violations to account, and to close the protection gap by tackling every source of insecurity definitively,\u201d CSW UK, CSW US, and CSW Nigeria said.\n\n\u201cJubilee Campaign welcomes the resolution by Congressman Riley Moore. It ensures that the re-designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern does not just remain a statement but a reality - using the tools provided by the designation to hold perpetrators of violence and attacks against Christians accountable and to put an end to the escalating violence, including torture, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence and forced religious conversions. We welcome the call for the repeal of the egregious anti-blasphemy laws and release of prisoners of conscience and the call for protection and humanitarian support coordination for IDPs.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile the world has understood the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and bands of Islamist Fulani militants have been allowed to carry out violent attacks with impunity, including executions and inhuman and degrading treatment of civilians [cutting of limbs], the burning of homes and places of worship, kidnapping and enslavement of women and girls and forced religious conversions, Leah Sharibu one notable case. Rep. Riley\u2019s resolution shows the way for accountability and a much needed cessation of the violence,\u201d the Jubilee Campaign said.\n\n\u201cThank you for this urgent action. We must stop the murder and genocide of our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria, and around the world as violent Islam accelerates. Not on our watch,\u201d said Kelly M. Kullberg, General Secretary, of American Association of Evangelicals (AAE).\n\n\"Christians in Nigeria are suffering severe persecution. Rep. Riley Moore's Congressional Resolution clearly outlines the strong actions that need to be taken. Nigeria's officials need to be held accountable. Abolish blasphemy laws. Punish militant Islamist murderers. Justice for victims,\" said Wendy Wright, President of Christian Freedom International.\n\n\u201cNot just for years, but for decades, Christians in Nigeria have suffered severe persecution and deprivation, victims of a genocidal jihad that seeks to establish a state cleansed of all Christians. Congressman Riley Moore\u2019s resolution provides a roadmap for action in keeping with President Trump\u2019s declaration of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. We thank God that the cries of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria are being heard. . . and answered,\u201d said Faith McDonnell, Director of Advocacy, Katartismos Global.\n\n\u201cConsidering the ongoing escalation of atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, we support its being designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Nigeria should not have been taken off the CPC list in the first place. We also call for the application of severe sanctions against its government to send a strong message to all regimes and non-state actors that are persecuting Christians and members of other religions worldwide,\u201d said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, President and CEO of Boat People SOS (BPSOS).\n\n\"The country of Nigeria, a critical emerging core international leader, is facing an extinction level event in the areas of unalienable rights, human dignity, real diversity, and economic prosperity. A Nigeria free from terror and violent ethnoreligious hatred can significantly benefit the entirety of its population and all of Africa. President Trump leadership, and Rep. Moore's resolution provides essential foundational elements to build a future for a free and prosperous Nigeria, all of Africa, and the world.\u201d Father John Anderson, President of Saint Nicholas Freedom Group.\n\n\u201cThe Levant Council believes that the persecution and suffering of Christians in Nigeria cannot be viewed separately from the plight of Christians, Druze, Alawites, and other minorities in Syria. These are all manifestations of the same jihadist ideology \u2014 one that rejects coexistence and, ironically, continues to gain empowerment from parts of the West. Jihadism does not spread slowly like a virus; rather, with the support its leaders are receiving on world stages, it expands rapidly \u2014 like a microwave. An act against jihadism in one place is, therefore, an act against it everywhere,\u201d Dr. Tamim Khromachou, President of Levant Council of the United States said.\n\n\"As Buddhists peacefully advocating for freedom of religion or belief for all, we stand with our brothers and sisters from all religions to call on the US Government to take concrete actions against the brutal persecution of Christians in Nigeria. CPC designation is the first concrete action. We fully endorse Congressman Riley Moore's Congressional Resolution,\u201d said Ms. Minh-Luong Nguyen, Co-founder and Coordinator of the Buddhist Solidarity Association.\n\n\u201cIt is not by coincidence that victims of human trafficking disproportionately came from persecuted religious or indigenous communities. Traffickers clearly know how to exploit the vulnerability of these communities and often enjoy the support or collusion of government officials. According to Walk Free\u2019s 2023 Global Slavery Index, Nigeria is ranked fifth out of 51 countries in Africa in terms of prevalence of modern slavery. Designating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern may also shine the international spotlight on the scourge of human trafficking in that country,\u201d said the Coalition to Abolish Modern-day Slavery in Asia (CAMSA)\n\n\"Being indigenous Christians facing severe persecution in Vietnam, we would like to express empathy and solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria. We strongly support the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. The free world, led by the United States, should take actions to stop the ongoing gross violations of religious freedom in that country,\u201d said Y Phic Hdok, Co-founder & Coordinator of Montagnards Stand for Justice (MSFJ).\n\n\"We are Hmong Christians seeking UN protection in Thailand; we were persecuted in Vietnam for having resisted the government\u2019s order to abandon our Christian faith. We applaud and endorse Rep. Riley Moore's Congressional Resolution to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for its ongoing, severe and systematic violations of religious freedom against Christians in that country,\" said Giang A Chin, Coordinator of Hmong for Human Rights.\n\n\u201cHaving effectively advocated for the CPC designation of communist Vietnam in 2005 and 2006, we know that this designation carries weight with regimes that engage in ongoing, systematic and severe persecution of people of faith. We endorse the Congressional Resolution initiated by Congressman Riley Moor,\u201d said Helen Nguyen, Co-founder of the Committee for Religious Freedom in Vietnam.\n\n\u201cThere is a jihad surging across Africa. Christians are being slaughtered. We must put a stop to the massacres,\u201d said Charles Jacob, President of the African Jewish Alliance\n\n\u201cThe persecution of Christians in Nigeria is one of the most urgent human-rights crises of our time, and it\u2019s long past time the world stopped looking away. I\u2019m grateful to Rep. Moore for his leadership and for taking action to protect persecuted Christians when so many have stayed silent. His resolution is a crucial step toward real accountability,\u201d said Founding President, Gia Chacon with For the Martyrs.\n\n\u201cThe Friends of Thien Am Buddhist Monastery express our full support for Congressman Riley Moore's Congressional Resolution. Our mission is committed to peacefully advocating for freedom of religion or belief for all, we stand in solidarity with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds. We urge the U.S. Government to take meaningful steps to address the grave persecution faced by Christians in Nigeria, beginning with the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC),\u201d said Tanya Nguyen-Do, Founder of Friends of Thien AM Buddhist Group.\n\n\u201cWe were stunned when former Secretary Blinken decided to remove Nigeria from the CPC list hours before his plane landed in the country. We did not receive an adequate answer as to why this took place. The violence against Christians has taken place in more than one Nigerian Administration as well with very few attackers arrested,tried or convicted. Nigeria currently suffers from a lack of accountability from the Security Services who have a history of poor response to the events when they take place to the tepid responses by the Government. So why are they afraid of being held responsible for what is taking place within their borders? We applaud and appreciate Congressman Moore for speaking up on behalf of the Christians in Nigeria,\u201d said Scott Morgan with the Africa Working Group.\n\n\u201cWhat we are witnessing in Nigeria is the result of years of marginalization of Christians. The current level of violence is downstream of shutting Christians out, blasphemy laws, and conflict. I am glad to see Represent Moore recognize the suffering of this weakened Christian population,\u201d said Joshua Youssef, President & CEO of Help the Persecuted.\n\nFor more on this issue, see Congressman Moore\u2019s previous work on Nigeria:\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019s first ever floorspeech, in which he highlighted the plight of Nigerian Christians;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sletter calling for Secretary Marco Rubio to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019stweet thanking President Trump for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sinterview with Laura Ingraham;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sinterview with Maria Bartiromo;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sinterview on Fox and Friends;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sinterview with Stuart Varney;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sinterview with Kayleigh McEnany;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sinterview with Dinesh D\u2019Souza;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sinterview with Raymond Arroyo;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019sinterview with Mario Nawfal;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019stweet highlighting the killing of a Nigerian pastor and kidnapping of 20 Nigerian Christians\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019stweet highlighting the Nigerian Army accusing a pastor of stoking division for warning of an impending attack that left a dozen Christians dead;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019stwitter thread highlighting the state of persecution in Nigeria and announcing his letter calling for Nigeria to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern;\n\n\u00b7 The Congressman\u2019stweet highlighting the massacre of Nigerian Christians on Palm Sunday;\n\n\u00b7The Congressman\u2019s speech at CPAC\u2019s Ending Christian Persecution Summit.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-moore-introduces-resolution-condemning-persecution-christians"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.8253976702690125, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}