MY ACCOUNT
As violence against Christians in Nigeria continues, voices around the world—from lawmakers to advocates to entertainers—are calling for action. In the midst of this renewed attention, Global Christian Relief CEO Brian Orme is reminding the Church where our first and strongest response must begin: prayer, solidarity, and advocacy.
For years, extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have terrorized Nigeria’s northeast and Middle Belt, burning churches, displacing families, and killing thousands of believers. Attacks have continued at an alarming rate this year. For example, in early September, more than 60 were killed in an attack in Borno State.
Now, with the world beginning to take notice, Orme’s words serve as both warning and invitation.
“As followers of Jesus, we have both a spiritual and moral responsibility to stand with them. That means praying for peace in Nigeria and using our voices to encourage wise leadership here at home."
— Brian Orme, President and CEO of Global Christian ReliefOfficial Statement from Brian Orme, CEO of Global Christian Relief
"Across Nigeria, our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to face unimaginable violence—churches destroyed, families displaced, lives uprooted. Yet the Church there is still standing. Still singing. Still forgiving.
“The 2025 Global Christian Relief Red List ranks Nigeria as the deadliest nation for Christians, with nearly 10,000 believers killed between November 2022 and 2024.
“As followers of Jesus, we have both a spiritual and moral responsibility to stand with them. That means praying for peace in Nigeria and using our voices to encourage wise leadership here at home.
“One tangible way to do that right now is by urging leaders to take action. The U.S. has not yet announced this year’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designations, but the opportunity is before us. This designation highlights nations where severe violations of religious freedom are taking place and opens the door for greater diplomatic pressure and accountability.
“I encourage Americans to contact Senator James Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and other members of the committee. Tag them on social media or call their offices—kindly urging them to prioritize Nigeria for CPC designation.
“These are meaningful steps that can bring greater attention and accountability to the violence facing our Nigerian family in Christ. As we pray, advocate and raise awareness, we remind them—and the watching world—that they are not forgotten.”
Growing Calls for Action on Nigeria’s Ongoing Persecution
Orme’s statement comes as global attention on Nigeria’s religious-freedom crisis continues to grow. In recent weeks, members of the U.S. Congress have urged the White House and State Department to list Nigeria once again as a Country of Particular Concern—a designation that recognizes governments that tolerate or enable severe violations of religious freedom.
West Virginia representative Riley Moore called Nigeria “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” while Senators Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and James Lankford have introduced measures demanding accountability and action.
Even beyond politics, others have begun to raise awareness. Television host Bill Maher condemned what he called “the systematic killing of Christians in Nigeria,” and boxer Ryan Garcia used his social-media platform to call followers to prayer.
This growing chorus—from Capitol Hill to cultural influencers—underscores the truth the global Church has been lifting up through GCR: the world cannot look away.
Help displaced Christians Stand with Nigeria’s church today
GCR’s Response on the Ground
Through trusted local partners, Global Christian Relief is helping believers in Nigeria rebuild what extremists destroyed—both physically and spiritually. Following recent attacks, GCR-supported teams have provided emergency aid to displaced families, repaired damaged churches, and supplied materials for pastors and congregations to begin worshiping again.
In hard-hit communities, GCR’s partners are walking alongside pastors and families who have lost everything—helping them rebuild homes, receive trauma counseling, and find renewed strength and stability after devastating loss. Across Nigeria’s northeast and Middle Belt, partners are also providing education for displaced children, mobile healthcare for survivors, and livelihood training for women and youth whose lives were torn apart by extremist attacks.
These initiatives are part of GCR’s long-term commitment to restore both the physical and spiritual life of the Church in Nigeria. Clean-water projects, small-business opportunities, and trauma-healing workshops are giving believers tangible ways to rebuild their communities and their faith. Each renewed pastor, each healed family, and each reopened church stands as living proof that persecution cannot silence the gospel or destroy the witness of Christ’s people.
ACT NOW TELL CONGRESS: DON’T LOOK AWAY FROM NIGERIA
As persecution continues across Nigeria, your voice can help make sure America’s leaders respond. Urge members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support renewed action for religious freedom.
Call, write, or tag your senators on social media today—and remind them that Christians in Nigeria are not forgotten.
