The ERLC has joined faith leaders in a letter to President Trump thanking him for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to the egregious religious liberty violations occurring in the country. Christians face significant threats in Nigeria from radical Islamists and from a government that has taken little action to protect them. This letter expresses gratitude for the strong and decisive action after hearing the cries of the persecuted. The letter says:
“Christians are targeted and murdered for their faith by the thousands in Nigeria, more than in all other countries combined. These attacks come from terrorist groups like Boko Haram, IS-West Africa, and the Fulani militants. While the Nigerian government has failed to bring any of these groups to justice, it has especially failed to counter or prosecute the Fulani militant groups attacking Christians in the Middle Belt region, where the attacks are the worst. Beyond the mass killings, millions have been forced to flee their homes; many are kidnapped and trafficked, particularly young girls, who are often forced to convert to Islam and forced into sham marriages; and many suffer at the hands of Nigeria’s draconian blasphemy laws that mandate the death penalty and inspire widespread mob violence.”
Nigeria should remain on the Countries of Particular Concern Special Watch List
In this letter, the ERLC and other faith leaders affirm that Nigeria should remain on the Countries of Particular Concern list until it demonstrates real commitment and verifiable evidence of improvement on four levels:
- 1) Increased security for Christian populations, particularly in the Middle Belt, with the deployment of additional military and law enforcement units trained to be proactive in fighting militants, along with responding to early warnings from communities so that resources can be quickly marshalled, and reviewing and publicly acknowledging past failures to act;
- 2) Ending impunity for those responsible for attacks against Christians, and ensuring that attackers are fully and quickly prosecuted;
- 3) Facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homelands, and assisting in the rebuilding and security of these communities; and
- 4) Ceasing enforcement and initiating the repeal of the country’s Sharia blasphemy laws, releasing all individuals imprisoned or detained for blasphemy-related offenses, and prosecuting mob attacks.
Why do Southern Baptists care about Countries of Particular Concern?
Southern Baptists share the conviction that religious freedom is an essential right and must be maintained uninfringed for people of all religions. The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 clearly articulates that all men have the “right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.” Our convictions also lead us to prayer. The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a grievous evil and a clear example of egregious harm to vulnerable people.
Learn more about the ERLC’s advocacy against the persecution of Christians in Nigeria here.
