Ambassador Mike Waltz’s Warning on Global Christian Persecution
Representative Mike Waltz recently raised a crucial alarm regarding the persecution of Christians worldwide. He stated that over 330 million Christians are suffering across 78 countries. This staggering number signals a deepening crisis that calls for immediate attention.
“It is the most persecuted religion across the Middle East and Africa and elsewhere—and relative silence from the international community!” Waltz declared in a widely circulated video. The absence of a robust international response to these attacks on faith is troubling, especially given the growing evidence of violence and discrimination, as documented by various human rights organizations.
The 2024 World Watch List from Open Doors shows that an estimated 365 million Christians experience significant persecution and discrimination. This equates to roughly one in seven Christians globally. The most alarming regions include North Korea, Somalia, Libya, and Afghanistan—countries where being Christian can lead to dire consequences.
In the Middle East, the decline of Christian communities is particularly concerning. Iraq, once home to around 1.5 million Christians, now has estimates of fewer than 250,000 due to violence from groups like ISIS and ongoing militia activity. Many have been forced to flee, resulting in a near collapse of a once-thriving population.
Waltz’s focus extends to Nigeria, a hotspot of violence where over 4,000 Christians were killed in 2023 alone. Terror groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants are responsible for this bloodshed. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has repeatedly urged the State Department to re-designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” but this designation has been unjustly removed, leaving many vulnerable.
South Asia is facing increased threats as well. Reports from India highlight a surge in mob violence and church burnings, particularly affecting tribal and rural Christian populations. The environment has grown increasingly hostile since 2014, with Hindu nationalist groups acting aggressively against believers.
In China, Christians face systematic oppression through rigorous surveillance and restrictions on attendance at worship. The government continues to crack down on unauthorized underground churches and regulates approved churches, dictating how religious texts must align with Communist Party ideology. This pattern demonstrates a strategy to diminish religious expression.
Ambassador Waltz has expressed his frustration with the minimal international response to this ongoing suffering. “330 million Christians under attack, and yet we hear very little from world leaders, human rights organizations, or even the United Nations,” he asserted. “The silence is disgraceful.” His comments reflect a growing sentiment that the global community must do more to address these alarming issues.
While international bodies have made general statements condemning religious persecution, critics highlight that the response to the specific plight of Christians has been lackluster. The attention has often been overshadowed by larger political considerations, sidelining the urgent need for action.
Waltz also acknowledged former President Donald Trump’s significant contributions to addressing religious freedom during his administration. Trump highlighted this issue on various platforms, launched the International Religious Freedom Alliance, and mobilized resources for communities devastated by violence.
Under Trump’s leadership, countries such as Nigeria were designated as Countries of Particular Concern. This designation facilitated concrete actions, including sanctions against those perpetuating religious violence. The shift in policy under Trump has left religious freedom advocates optimistic about its potential resurgence should he reclaim the presidency.
Criticism has mounted against the current administration for its handling of these critical issues. The decision to remove Nigeria from the CPC list was met with skepticism as violence escalated. Waltz asserted that Trump’s renewed focus could shift the trajectory of international religious freedom efforts.
Experts suggest practical actions the U.S. could take to better support persecuted Christians. These include restoring Nigeria’s designation, expanding refugee programs for victims of religious persecution, offering increased humanitarian assistance, and ensuring that U.S. foreign assistance does not support governments involved in persecution.
Waltz’s call to action is backed by compelling evidence. Christians face a perilous landscape of violence, from bombings in Sri Lanka to executions in Pakistan. The risks are palpable, highlighting the need for a vigorous response from the global community.
The 2022 Pew Research Center report revealed that Christians encountered harassment in more countries than any other religious group—a stark indication of their vulnerability. Growing restrictions and hostility contribute to this climate of fear, with instances of property damage, surveillance, and even murder being reported.
The U.S. State Department’s 2023 International Religious Freedom Report corroborates these claims, detailing increasing restrictions in authoritarian regions. Waltz emphasizes that the era of silence must end. He passionately believes that “freedom of religion is not negotiable. And Christians must not be left behind.” His call resonates powerfully amidst escalating violence and oppression.
"*" indicates required fields
