Faith Facts

• April 24 marks Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenian Christians by the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915
• Christians worldwide have a moral obligation to remember and advocate for genocide victims and their descendants
• The Armenian genocide represents the first major genocide of the 20th century and set a tragic precedent for future atrocities

Today, Armenians around the world gather in churches and public squares to remember the first genocide of the 20th century. As Christians committed to truth, justice, and the dignity of all people made in God’s image, we must not remain silent about this historical atrocity or its ongoing implications.

The systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenian Christians by the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915 stands as one of history’s darkest chapters. Yet more than a century later, the struggle for recognition and justice continues.

1. Demand Historical Truth and Recognition

Christians must insist on the full recognition of the Armenian Genocide by all nations, including those that continue to deny this historical reality for political convenience. Truth is not negotiable, and historical facts cannot be subject to diplomatic bargaining.

The deliberate killing of Armenian Christians—men, women, and children—through death marches, starvation, and mass executions was a calculated attempt to eliminate an entire people. Denying this truth dishonors the victims and enables future atrocities.

2. Stand Against Modern Persecution of Christians

The spirit that drove the Armenian Genocide has not disappeared. Christians in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia face escalating persecution today. We must connect the dots between historical genocide and contemporary attacks on Christian communities.

Recent conflicts have demonstrated that ancient Christian populations remain vulnerable. Our remembrance of 1915 must translate into active advocacy for persecuted believers worldwide.

3. Support Armenian Christians and Their Heritage

Armenian Christians have preserved their faith and culture despite genocide, exile, and ongoing threats. Supporting Armenian churches, cultural institutions, and communities honors the resilience of genocide survivors and their descendants.

The Armenian Church represents one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world, tracing its roots to the apostles. Defending Armenian heritage means defending a precious part of Christian history.

4. Advocate for Justice and Prevention

Christians must demand accountability for genocide and ethnic cleansing wherever they occur. This includes supporting international efforts to prevent genocide, protect vulnerable populations, and hold perpetrators accountable.

Our faith calls us to be voices for the voiceless and defenders of the oppressed. Genocide remembrance without action becomes mere sentimentality. We must advocate for policies that protect religious minorities and prevent the repetition of such horrors.

As we remember the Armenian Genocide, we also acknowledge ongoing concerns about ethnic cleansing and the displacement of Armenian populations in contested regions. The protection of Christian communities cannot be a secondary concern in American foreign policy.

The Armenian Genocide teaches us that evil unchecked and truth denied lead to unspeakable suffering. As followers of Christ, we bear witness to truth, stand with the persecuted, and work to ensure that “never again” becomes more than a slogan—it becomes a sacred commitment.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• President-elect Laura Fernández met with evangelical leaders to discuss religious freedom and social policy before assuming office May 8
• The Federation of the Costa Rican Evangelical Alliance emphasized the importance of faith-based values in national governance
• The meeting signals continued recognition of Christian influence in Costa Rican public life and policy-making

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves and President-elect Laura Fernández met Thursday with leaders of the Federation of the Costa Rican Evangelical Alliance (FAEC) in a significant gathering focused on religious freedom and social policy. The meeting comes as the Central American nation prepares for its May 8 transition of power.

The dialogue between government leaders and evangelical representatives underscores the vital role that faith communities continue to play in shaping the moral and social direction of Costa Rica. For Christian conservatives, this meeting represents an encouraging affirmation that elected leaders recognize the importance of engaging with religious voices on matters of national significance.

The Federation of the Costa Rican Evangelical Alliance has been a consistent advocate for traditional family values, religious liberty, and the protection of conscience rights in the public square. Their meeting with both the outgoing and incoming presidents demonstrates the enduring partnership between government and faith-based organizations in Costa Rica.

As the United States faces its own challenges regarding religious freedom and the marginalization of Christian perspectives in policy debates, Costa Rica’s example offers a refreshing contrast. The willingness of national leaders to prioritize discussions with evangelical leaders reflects a healthy respect for the role of faith in civic life.

The May 8 transition will mark a pivotal moment for Costa Rica as President-elect Fernández takes the helm. Her decision to meet with FAEC leaders early in the transition process signals an openness to incorporating faith-based perspectives into her administration’s approach to governance.

Religious freedom remains a cornerstone of democratic societies, and when government leaders actively engage with faith communities, it strengthens the social fabric and ensures that policies reflect the values held by significant portions of the population. Costa Rica’s approach provides a model worth watching.

For American Christians concerned about the erosion of religious liberty domestically, international examples like this meeting in Costa Rica serve as reminders that faith still holds a respected place in public discourse in many nations. It challenges us to remain vigilant in defending these same freedoms at home.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• 88% of UK Evangelicals believe they can openly practice their faith, but 48% say speaking publicly is getting harder.
• Around 35% of believers have encountered non-criminal hostility, including verbal abuse and social pressure regarding their convictions.
• While 60% of Christians are comfortable being open at work, many in politics and education face intense scrutiny for traditional views.

While British Christians maintain the legal right to worship and share their faith, a significant cultural shift is creating a more hostile environment for public testimony.

A recent study found that nearly half of UK Evangelicals feel expressing their biblical values has become increasingly difficult over the last five years due to social polarization.

The report underscores that the primary challenge for the modern church is not legal restriction, but navigating a culture that often marginalizes Christian morality.

“This tension — between objective freedoms and subjective experience — sits at the heart of this report,” the document states regarding the current climate.

Believers are encouraged to move beyond mere defense of rights toward a confidence that allows them to contribute constructively to society with integrity and compassion.