3/7/2025 United States (International Christian Concern) — The United States Senate could soon pass S.Res.52, a resolution that reaffirms religious freedom as a fundamental human right globally. Introduced in early February by Senator James Lankford (R-OK), the legislation expresses concern over the escalating global threats to religious liberty. Unfortunately, Christians have faced the brunt of this persecution, with an average of 13 believers being killed every day because of their faith.
S.Res.52 highlights several countries where religious minorities, including Christians, face significant challenges to practicing their faith.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban has enforced its “harsh interpretation of Sharia law,” and those who do not adhere face imprisonment or death if discovered. In China, the government uses “targeted surveillance to monitor, harass, and detain” Christians and other religious minorities for exercising their beliefs. In the Sahel region of Africa, violent extremist groups have threatened “violence against Christians who do not convert to Islam.”
If passed, S.Res.52 would also signal for international religious freedom to become a foreign policy priority for the United States.
Currently, the resolution is before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, where it must be presented by Chairman Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and Ranking Member Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) before advancing to the full Senate. International Christian Concern’s (ICC) Advocacy team encourages Christians in the U.S. to contact both senators, urging them to swiftly bring this crucial resolution before the committee.
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