Faith
Nigerian Christians Face Deadly Persecution
Faith Facts
- Boko Haram, Islamic State affiliates, and Fulani militant herders have carried out assaults on Christian communities in Nigeria.
- Efforts to hold the Nigerian government accountable include proposed U.S. legislation urging action against religious persecution.
- Advocacy groups and religious leaders highlight a pattern of targeted violence, with over 52,000 Christians killed and 20,000 churches attacked since 2009.
As believers around the world join in prayer for the persecuted church, Nigerian Christians continue to suffer brutal attacks at the hands of extremists. Government officials have pushed back against claims of genocide, even as pressure increases for accountability.
Servants of Christ are raising their voices to bring attention to the plight of innocent men, women, and children whose only crime is proclaiming the name of Jesus.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, calling for U.S. measures to address the hostile atmosphere for believers in Nigeria.
Additionally, a petition from leading religious liberty advocates urges the U.S. government to place Nigeria back on the “Country of Particular Concern” list due to ongoing religiously motivated violence.
“The Nigerian government is directly violating religious freedom by enforcing Islamic blasphemy laws that carry the death penalty and harsh prison sentences against citizens of various religions.”
“It also demonstrably tolerates relentless aggression uniquely against Christian farming families by militant Fulani Muslim herders, who appear intent on forcibly Islamizing the Middle Belt.”
Fulani militant herders present the gravest danger to Christian families in Nigeria’s central region according to these advocates, aiming to seize land and erase longstanding Christian communities.
Churches across the nation stand firm, even as attackers destroy homes and farmland, driving believers to seek refuge in makeshift camps with scarcely any government support.
Despite numerous warnings, government forces often fail to respond to the looming threat, leaving faithful families vulnerable and without protection.
“The biggest threat facing Nigeria’s Christians comes from Fulani Muslim herders.”
“With cries of ‘Allahu Akbar’ and wielding AK-47s, they invade peaceful Christian farming areas in Nigeria’s central region, massacring families, burning homes and harvests, and driving millions of Christians from their ancestral lands.”
The surrounding political climate frequently downplays the religious root of these assaults, attributing violence to resource disputes rather than acknowledging the clear targeting of followers of Christ.
In heartfelt testimony, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe described his people as a church under extermination by Islamist forces.
“The experience of Christians in Nigeria can be summed up as a church under Islamist extermination.”
Nigerian Christians need our faithful prayers, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty, just as our Lord calls us to stand with the persecuted. May we never forget those suffering for their faith in Christ.
Faith Facts
- St Margaret of Scotland restored Christian life in her adopted homeland through faith-driven reforms.
- She was known for her charity, founding churches, schools, and caring for the poor according to biblical teachings.
- Her legacy as the Pearl of Scotland endures as an example of godly leadership and Christian service.
St Margaret of Scotland is remembered each year on November 16 for her lasting impact on Scottish Christian heritage.
Born in Hungary, she was of royal English Saxon descent.
She eventually became Queen of Scotland.
Her early years were marked by exile; political upheaval led her family to Hungary before returning to England. After a period of danger following the Norman conquest, Margaret sought refuge in Scotland, where King Malcolm III welcomed her family.
Margaret married King Malcolm III and became a devoted queen, guided by her strong Christian faith. Through her charitable works and church reforms, she transformed spiritual life and championed biblical values across Scotland.
Margaret founded churches, monasteries, and charitable institutions, seeking to align Scotland’s religious practices with Christian orthodox teaching. She personally supported the poor, redeemed captives, and made pilgrimages more accessible, reflecting Christ’s compassion.
Her death in 1093, shortly after King Malcolm, was deeply mourned. Margaret’s legacy continued through her children and the spiritual revival she inspired.
Let us remember St Margaret as a shining example of Christian queenship.
She was servant-hearted, courageous, and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through faith, family, and service.
Faith Facts
- Biblical truth calls for honesty in identifying obstacles to peace.
- Numerous historic peace offers to Palestinians have been rejected by their leaders.
- Official documents still call for struggle instead of peaceful coexistence.
Christian leaders recently called for a ceasefire in Gaza, suggesting that lasting peace depends on Israel’s actions and a change in attitude. They stated, “A credible peace must start with a ceasefire, but it will not last without a fundamental shift in the attitudes and behaviours that, for too long, have maintained Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and thwarted Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
However, history shows that the path to peace has been repeatedly hindered by Palestinian leadership rejecting viable two-state solutions offered in 1937, 1947, and several times since 1993. Israel fully withdrew from Gaza in 2005, granting the opportunity for Palestinian self-governance, yet conflict continued.
Much of the resistance to long-term peace is rooted in foundational Palestinian documents. The 1968 Palestinian National Charter states, “Armed struggle is the only way to liberate Palestine,” and sets out a call for continued conflict as a central strategy.
The charter highlights, “Absolute responsibility for this falls upon the Arab nation – peoples and governments – with the Arab people of Palestine in the vanguard.”
The Hamas Covenant echoes this sentiment, declaring the land as an Islamic trust and rejecting peace agreements. It reads, “The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgement Day. It, or any part of it, should not be squandered: it, or any part of it, should not be given up.”
Christians are called to promote honest dialogue and faithful prayer for all those suffering in conflict. True pathways to peace require transformation of hearts in accordance with Biblical mercy and justice.
Faith Facts
- The Central Church of Christ, founded with the vision and generosity of A.M. Burton, marked its 100th anniversary with a celebration hosted at Lipscomb University.
- This congregation pioneered urban ministry, providing holistic care—medical, dental, and daily necessities—for Nashville’s neediest for decades.
- After years of legal battles over its property, the Burton family regained ownership of the historic building, highlighting faith-driven perseverance and unity.
Faith, generosity, and leadership were celebrated as former Central Church members, community guests, and Amy Grant—the great-granddaughter of A.M. Burton—gathered at Lipscomb University’s Spark campus for the congregation’s centennial.
The original church, born in 1925 through A.M. Burton’s dedication, became a living testament of Christian outreach, regularly serving Nashville’s poor and upholding biblical compassion.
“What we celebrate is the impact of a church. They were the hands and the feet and the mouthpiece of Jesus to the downtown community, to the rich and the powerful and to the poor and the down and out.”
– Scott Sager, special advisor for mission and ministry at Lipscomb University
The church experienced years of innovative service and spiritual dedication, both through its dynamic ministries and unwavering commitment to God’s Word, even as urban challenges and changing member demographics shaped its path.
“For a century, this congregation has been a living example of God’s handiwork. Men and women have been doing good works together across the city for years. We need followers of Christ who, like A.M. Burton and this congregation, are willing to be a light … and to serve with both humility and grace.”
– Candice McQueen, Lipscomb University President
The recent legal resolution allowed the Burton family and former members to reclaim their building, reminding the community of the power of faith-led action and the importance of preserving godly legacies.
“I think … his vision and all of the congregation of Central Church of Christ … all together, all of their small portion of events changed, bent history. In the total of all of our acts will be written the history of our generation. … We have to tell the story of people that have come before us.”
– Amy Grant
The Central congregation’s commitment gave practical expression to Christ’s call to serve others, reflecting the heart of Matthew 25:35—feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and welcoming those in need.
This historic occasion encourages believers to honor the legacy of faithful servants and continue their work for God’s glory, serving Nashville and beyond with hope and compassion rooted in biblical principles.
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