Religious Crisis Congress Can’t Dismiss

Congressional leaders are finally taking decisive action against one of the world’s worst Christian persecution crises, with Representative Riley Moore declaring “America CANNOT allow slaughter of Christians to continue” as Congress prepares urgent recommendations for President Trump.

Story Highlights

Trump Administration redesignated Nigeria as “Country of Particular Concern” in October 2025, escalating diplomatic pressure
Over 7,000 Christians killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone, with 50,000-100,000 deaths since 2009
Congressional roundtable develops concrete policy recommendations including enhanced security and accountability measures
Approximately 500,000 newly displaced Christians in central regions between May 2023-May 2025

Congressional Action Addresses Escalating Crisis

Congressional leaders convened a critical roundtable in Washington, D.C. to address the escalating persecution of Christians in Nigeria, developing urgent legislative and diplomatic measures ahead of a report to President Trump. Representatives Riley Moore, Chris Smith, Mario Díaz-Balart, Brian Mast, and Robert Aderholt participated alongside experts from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and the Council on Foreign Relations. This bipartisan effort demonstrates growing recognition that American leadership is essential to protecting persecuted Christians worldwide.

Trump Administration Escalates Diplomatic Pressure

President Trump’s October 2025 redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” marks a significant policy shift that could lead to economic sanctions if conditions don’t improve. This designation provides the framework for targeted diplomatic pressure and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to defending religious freedom globally. Representative Moore emphasized the moral imperative behind this action, stating that Christians are “being persecuted and slaughtered in Nigeria simply for professing their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Staggering Death Toll Demands Immediate Response

The numbers reveal a humanitarian catastrophe that demands immediate American intervention. More than 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone, contributing to an estimated 50,000-100,000 deaths since Boko Haram’s insurgency began in 2009. The violence has intensified dramatically in central regions, particularly Benue and Plateau States, where over 9,500 deaths occurred between May 2023 and May 2025. This systematic targeting of Christians represents one of the most severe religious freedom crises globally, requiring urgent American leadership to prevent further escalation.

Concrete Policy Solutions Target Root Causes

The congressional roundtable produced specific recommendations addressing security, accountability, and humanitarian concerns. Proposed measures include increasing security in the Middle Belt region, vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of attacks, facilitating safe return of displaced Christians, and repealing blasphemy laws that enable persecution. Sean Nelson from ADF International emphasized the opportunity for success, noting “We do not have to wait until it is too late. We can act, with a real chance of success, now.”

American Values Demand Decisive Action

This crisis tests America’s commitment to defending religious freedom and protecting persecuted Christians worldwide. The systematic destruction of thousands of churches and displacement of half a million Christians in central Nigeria alone represents an assault on fundamental human rights that conservative Americans understand must be confronted. The Trump Administration’s response demonstrates that America will not stand by while Christians face genocide-level persecution, setting a crucial precedent for defending faith and freedom globally.