Faith
Why This International Day Should Matter to Every American Christian
Faith Facts
- August 22 marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
- Christians in Nigeria continue to face deadly persecution, with thousands killed and displaced for their faith
- The day calls believers worldwide to prayer and action for persecuted Christians and religious minorities
Every year on August 22, the world pauses to recognize a solemn truth many would prefer to ignore: believers around the globe are suffering and dying simply because of their faith. This International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief serves as a stark reminder that religious freedom remains under assault in many corners of the world.
Nigeria stands as one of the most dangerous places on earth to be a Christian. Believers there have endured horrific violence, with entire communities destroyed, families torn apart, and countless lives lost. The persecution continues with relentless brutality, yet it receives far too little attention from Western media and government leaders.
This day of remembrance encompasses all who have suffered for their beliefs—those who have been martyred for their faith, families who have lost loved ones to religious violence, communities left displaced and homeless, individuals still missing and unaccounted for, and survivors struggling to rebuild shattered lives.
For American Christians living in freedom, this observance carries special significance. While we enjoy constitutional protections and the liberty to worship openly, our brothers and sisters in Christ face daily threats simply for gathering in Jesus’ name. Their courage and steadfast faith in the face of persecution should humble and inspire us.
Remembrance alone, however meaningful, is not enough. This day must move us beyond awareness to tangible action. Prayer remains our most powerful weapon, but it must be coupled with advocacy, support for persecuted communities, and pressure on our own government to prioritize religious freedom in foreign policy.
The suffering of Nigerian Christians and other persecuted believers worldwide deserves more than our occasional attention. It demands our sustained commitment, our voices raised in their defense, and our resources directed toward their protection and relief. As members of the global body of Christ, we cannot turn away from their pain.
This August 22, let us honor the victims of religious persecution not just with moments of silence, but with renewed dedication to defending religious liberty everywhere. Let us pray fervently for those under threat. And let us act decisively to ensure that faith never becomes a death sentence.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Bank of America closed a Christian ministry’s account in 2020 citing internal policies against certain business types.
- Multiple ministries and faith-based organizations have reported similar account closures from major financial institutions.
- Faith-based groups are increasingly facing challenges accessing traditional banking services across the United States.
In 2020, Bank of America informed a Christian ministry that its account was being closed because the institution had chosen not to service certain types of businesses. The ministry initially believed this decision was isolated to their organization alone.
Further investigation revealed that other faith-based groups had encountered the same treatment from the same financial institution. The pattern suggests a broader policy affecting religious organizations seeking banking services.
“I thought we were the only ones. We weren’t.”
This experience highlights growing concerns among Christian ministries about access to essential financial services. Many traditional banks appear to be reevaluating their relationships with faith-based organizations.
The closure of accounts for religious ministries raises questions about religious liberty and equal access to financial services. Christian organizations across the country are exploring alternative banking options that align with their values and mission.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- A group of pastors gathered to pray over Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at a campaign rally, calling on God for supernatural favor in the final weeks before the Senate election.
- The clergy specifically invoked Romans 13, urging divine support for Paxton as he seeks to represent Texas in the United States Senate.
- The public prayer event reflects a growing trend of faith leaders openly supporting conservative candidates who align with traditional Christian values.
A group of Texas pastors publicly prayed over Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton at a campaign rally this week, asking God to grant him favor with voters in the final stretch of his Senate bid.
The clergy cited Romans 13 during the prayer, reminding supporters that governing authorities are called to serve as ministers of God for justice and order.
Pastors for Paxton gathered to pray over @KenPaxtonTX at his rally today in Conroe. Pastors @Steve_Riggle and @BuntrockJames led us in asking God to grant him wisdom, strength, and protection as he serves Texas. ???? https://t.co/8GQVrU5zxO
— Pastors For Paxton (@pastors4paxton) October 20, 2026
“Give him favor with voters.”
Paxton, who has long positioned himself as a defender of biblical values on issues like life, marriage, and religious liberty, welcomed the spiritual covering from the pastors in attendance.
The event underscores the deep connection many conservative voters in Texas feel between their faith and their political choices.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Frank Turek wakes each morning and ends each evening thinking of Charlie Kirk.
- One year after witnessing the assassination of the conservative activist, Turek continues his commitment to share the Gospel on college campuses.
- The loss of Charlie Kirk has strengthened Turek’s resolve to defend biblical truth among young people.
Christian apologist Frank Turek has carried the memory of Charlie Kirk with him every single day since witnessing the conservative activist’s assassination at Utah Valley University. The grief remains real, yet so does his steadfast determination to keep proclaiming the Gospel.
Each morning when he wakes and each night before he sleeps, Turek’s first and last thoughts return to Kirk. The loss of a friend and fellow defender of truth has left a deep mark, but it has not silenced his mission.
“The first person I think of when I wake up is Charlie.”
Turek’s ongoing work on college campuses reflects a commitment to the same values Kirk championed. He continues reaching students with biblical truth, refusing to let tragedy silence the message of Christ.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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