|
Dear John,
Leah Sharibu was only 14 years old when Boko Haram kidnapped her and 108 of her classmates in 2018.
Although the Islamic terrorists eventually released all the other girls, they refused to release Leah.
Why?
Because she refused to renounce her Christian faith.
Although Leah has not been seen or heard from since, there are reports indicating that she may still be alive.
Leah's story is just one example of the type of danger our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria are facing right now.
Nigeria has become the deadliest country in the world for Christians, with over 3,100 believers killed and 2,830 kidnapped in 2024 alone. Most of this violence has been perpetrated by Islamic extremists.
These are not just statistics. These are fathers, mothers, and children -- fellow believers -- who are suffering for their faith.
What can you and I do about this tragedy?
First, we can pray.
But then we must act.
During the first Trump administration, religious freedom was a fundamental part of its policies, both at home and abroad.
Notably, in 2020, during my time as chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), we succeeded in having Nigeria designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on account of the brutal persecution Christians face there.
This designation carries significant implications, including diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions from the United States if the designated country refuses to take course-corrective action.
However, in November 2021, the Biden administration removed Nigeria's CPC designation, even as the religious freedom conditions in that country continued to worsen.
Last week, I was asked to testify before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa regarding the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In my testimony, I urged that Nigeria be redesignated as a CPC.
In light of this growing humanitarian disaster in Nigeria, the United States must take a strong stance in support of religious freedom with swift and decisive action. Girls like Leah should not be kidnapped, raped, and killed because of their Christian faith.
By working with lawmakers and raising awareness through our award-winning broadcast Washington Watch and The Washington Stand, you are enabling FRC to be a voice for believers around the world in our nation's capital.
PARTNER WITH FRC
Despite the chilling acts of violence and hatred being carried out in Nigeria, many in Washington, D.C., remain silent.
Some seek to downplay or discredit the severity of these atrocities, such as when former Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that Fulani migrant herders who attacked Christian villages did so out of desperation because of drought due to climate change.
But you and I know the truth: this is a religious persecution issue.
The Trump administration must prioritize religious freedom abroad and send a clear message that the killing and terrorizing of Christians in Nigeria -- and elsewhere -- will not be tolerated.
Will you stand arm in arm with believers around the world and defend the religious liberty of Christians everywhere? Every dollar you give advocates on behalf of persecuted believers worldwide and holds Washington accountable to defend against threats to faith, family, and freedom like this one.
STAND WITH US
According to Open Doors International, 380 million Christians faced persecution and discrimination in 2024 -- 15 million more than the previous year.
Around the world, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to India to Syria, believers like Leah are being attacked simply because they proclaim the name of Jesus.
As Christians, we are called to care for the persecuted church. Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:26 that "if one member suffers, all suffer together."
You and I cannot remain silent while our fellow believers are being massacred.
As Dr. Albert Mohler recently said on Washington Watch, "We have to contend for the lives and liberties of our Christian brothers and sisters, wherever they may be found."
Will you join me and stand up for believers worldwide?
| 
2025 Family Research Council.