HOW CAN THE CHURCH AND INDIVIDUALS SAVE THE PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS IN 2026?

Jeffrey Ram
12 minutes ago
4 min read

Toronto, Canada, Jeffrey S. Ram, Editor, ReformAdvocate.Com December 22, 2025

Video shows the scene from a funeral for Christians killed on June 1, 2025, in Ankali, Edikwu Ankpali, Apa County, Benue state, Nigeria. | Screenshot from video

Christian minorities face brutal persecution worldwide—Nigeria endures daily kidnappings and violence. China imprisons pastors and harasses house church members; North Korea's Christians suffer extreme brutality. India’s Hindu extremist state governments incite mob violence against Christians and Muslims; Pakistan's blasphemy laws target minorities. Syria and Iraq Christian communities are nearly extinct due to terrorists. Unfortunately, Western nations sometimes patronize oppressive regimes and terrorist groups for trade benefits and global alliances. These atrocities highlight the urgent need for international action to protect Christians and other religious minorities.

HOW CAN THE CHURCH STOP, OR AT LEAST, REDUCE PERSECUTION?

Stopping persecution fully requires political, cultural, and legal change worldwide. The global Church can, however, take immediate actions to lessen suffering and push for systemic change.

1. Build awareness with ongoing, accurate storytelling.
• Churches should partner with trusted organizations (NGOs, faith-based relief agencies, researchers) to share verified, contextualized stories with congregations.
2. Provide practical aid and build capacity.
• Fund and support local churches and NGOs offering shelter, legal aid, trauma counselling, education, and livelihood programs for displaced Christians.
3. Advocate legally and diplomatically.
• Denominations and networks can lobby governments for religious freedom in policy, refugee resettlement, and development, applying international pressure on abusive governments and terrorist groups.
4. Foster interfaith and local alliances.
• Collaborate with Muslim, Hindu, or other faith leaders to build community protections through local alliances, conflict mediation, and social projects.
5. Support safe passage and resettlement.
• Assist refugees with sponsorship, language training, legal aid, and integration programs.
6. Provide training and reduce risks.
• Train communities in nonviolent crisis response, digital security, and legal literacy to reduce vulnerabilities.
7. Amplify voices and ensure accountability.
• Support persecuted Christians' leadership and testimonies, promote platforms for survivors, and demand independent investigations of abuses. Christians active in mainstream media or social media should use their expertise to publicize brutality against all religious minorities, including Christians.

WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS CAN AN ORDINARY CONGREGATION TAKE RIGHT NOW?

1. Adopt a persecuted community or region. Pray monthly, give an annual offering, and connect with a local partner.

2. Educate the congregation. Offer a short series on religious freedom with real stories and action steps.

3. Lobby together. Urge members to contact elected representatives about religious freedom and humanitarian relief.

4. Sponsor refugees. Use established programs to welcome displaced families.

5. Support legal defence funds. Donate to groups helping those charged under discriminatory laws.

6. Build local interfaith partnerships. Meet with leaders of other faiths to address threats together.

7. Measure and report. Track support given and families helped for greater impact.

· CONCLUSION- A SHORT, PRACTICAL 2026 RESOLUTION: STANDING WITH PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

If you’re a pastor, elder, ministry leader, or simply a passionate believer, consider adopting this New Year’s resolution and inviting your community to keep it:

Resolution: “In 2026, our congregation will commit to a year-long program for persecuted Christians that includes (1) monthly prayer focused on one persecuted region, (2) a dedicated quarterly offering to support verified local partners providing legal and humanitarian aid, and (3) one advocacy action per quarter aimed at our local government (letters, meetings, or delegations).”

Make it measurable, assign a small team to own it, and report back each quarter. Small, sustained commitments from many congregations add up to pressure that saves lives, preserves communities, and strengthens Christianity.

PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS RESOLUTION HANDOUT

2026 CHURCH RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

WHY THIS RESOLUTION MATTERS

Around the world, many Christian communities face violence, discrimination, imprisonment, and displacement due to their faith. As one body in Christ, we are called to "remember those who are in chains" and act with compassion, justice, and courage. Small, steady commitments from churches like ours can make a real difference.

OUR 2026 COMMITMENT

This year, our church will take three simple but powerful steps to support persecuted Christians globally.

1. Monthly Prayer Focus

Each month, we will pray specifically for one region or community experiencing persecution. These prayers will be included in our worship services, small groups, and personal prayer guides.

2. Quarterly Special Offering

Four times this year, we will collect a designated offering to support trusted partners providing: