New Resolution Pushes President to Prioritize Persecuted Christians in Foreign Policy, Citing Global Atrocities

This resolution is essentially Congress putting a spotlight on the severe persecution of Christians in dozens of Muslim-majority countries across the globe. It lays out a comprehensive, and frankly brutal, list of documented abuses—from mass killings in Nigeria and forced conversions in Egypt to arrests in Iran and church closures in Algeria—all based on a 2025 report.

The core action here is directing the President to make the protection of these persecuted Christians a top priority in all U.S. foreign policy decisions. The resolution urges the administration to use “every diplomatic tool” available, meaning issues like trade agreements, national security talks, and international negotiations should now include a mandate to push for better treatment of Christian minorities.

The Global Snapshot: What the Bill Documents

To understand why this is happening, the resolution spends a lot of time detailing the current reality. It cites that over 380 million Christians globally face serious persecution. The text doesn’t pull any punches, noting that the death toll for Christians in Nigeria alone is higher than in all other countries combined, referencing specific attacks like the Palm Sunday 2025 massacre in Plateau State. It also highlights the extreme conditions in places like Afghanistan, where Christians must operate in total hiding due to the threat of physical violence, and Pakistan, where blasphemy accusations frequently lead to mob violence or forced marriages of Christian girls.

This documentation isn’t just background noise; it’s the ammunition for the policy change. When the U.S. State Department sits down with leaders from Sudan, Iran, or Turkey, they are now expected to bring up these specific examples—like the removal of Christian mayors in Iraq or the harassment of foreign clergy in Turkey—as part of the negotiation.

Prioritization vs. Balance: The Diplomatic Tightrope

This is where the resolution shifts from condemnation to policy guidance, and it raises a critical question for how the U.S. conducts business abroad. While shining a light on these horrific abuses is undeniably important, the resolution’s instruction to prioritize one specific religious group (Christians) in foreign policy could create a diplomatic imbalance.

For example, in a country like Iran, where the Baha’i community also faces severe, systemic persecution, or in China, where Uyghur Muslims are targeted, the administration is now encouraged to focus its limited diplomatic capital primarily on Christian communities. This could mean that other persecuted minorities—who are often facing the exact same governments—might see their plight take a backseat in U.S. negotiations. The resolution is non-binding, meaning the President doesn't have to follow it, but it sets a very clear political expectation.

Real-World Impact: Who Feels the Pressure?

If the President follows this guidance, the impact will be felt in two main areas. First, for the persecuted Christians cited in the resolution, this could be a lifeline. Increased U.S. diplomatic pressure might force governments to slow down church closures, release political prisoners, or provide better security against extremist groups. This is the intended benefit.

Second, the governments of the targeted Muslim-majority countries will certainly feel the heat. Expect increased friction in U.S. relations with countries like Pakistan, Iran, and Nigeria, as the U.S. links cooperation on trade or security directly to religious freedom improvements. The resolution’s language encouraging the use of “every diplomatic tool” is broad, giving the administration significant, undefined power to raise the stakes. This could lead to strained relationships if not handled carefully, potentially complicating other U.S. interests like counterterrorism or energy supply, as the U.S. focuses its efforts on this singular, critical human rights issue.