Office of International Religious Freedom

I am saddened but not shocked to hear about the attack on the home of Andreas Büttner, the German state of Brandenburg’s antisemitism commissioner. I am relieved he and his family are safe and hope that the perpetrators will be swiftly apprehended. Standing strong against these acts is not just about combating antisemitism. This is about defending public order and the civilizational values of free societies.

Last week, DRL A/S Riley Barnes met with Mayor of Jerusalem @MosheLion and U.S. Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Antisemitism-nominee Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun. A/S Barnes thanked the mayor for his work to ensure that religious freedom continues to be protected in Jerusalem.

On July 17, Nicaraguan authorities arrested Christian pastor Rudy Palacios and four of his family members on charges of high treason for Palacios' criticism of the dictatorship's brutal repression and human rights violations. Pastor Rudy and one of his imprisoned family members, both cancer survivors, need regular medical attention. A pastor preached for peace, and Murillo-Ortega stole his family’s freedom. We call for his release, so that he is not forced to spend the sacred holiday of Christmas behind bars.

"This holiday season, my Administration continues to stand firmly with the Jewish people and defend the right of every believer to worship freely and without fear of persecution." - PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

Tonight we stand with the Australian Jewish community as we light the Hanukkah candles and honor the enduring strength of the Jewish people. Such horrific antisemitic attacks must be universally condemned.

As we light the Hanukkah candles, we honor the enduring strength, resilience, and hope of the Jewish people. Especially in light of the terror attack in Australia, we stand in solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide.

The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration. Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.

The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world. The @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.

The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.

Senior Bureau Official Jonathan Pratt during the @HouseForeignGOP hearing on "President Trump’s Redesignation of Nigeria as a 'Country of Particular Concern—CPC'": “The President’s decision underscores the Administration’s commitment to promoting religious freedom as a universal right and a fundamental freedom. The levels of violence and atrocities committed against Christians and communities of all faiths in Nigeria are appalling and threaten this universal right. We remain open to working together with the Nigerians, but we also expect the Nigerian government to deliver results on the ground as proof of their commitment to this universal right.”

"I would like to thank @POTUS for prioritizing this issue and for his leadership on the global stage in calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria." - @NICKIMINAJ

Tune in to watch SBO Pratt and @StateDRL Jacob McGee testify before the HFAC Africa subcommittee on President Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. foreignaffairs.house.gov/committee-acti…

🔥 Live Tuesday, 1:30pm ET US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz + @NICKIMINAJ A special event moderated by Harris Faulkner @FAULKNERFOCUS on ending religious violence and the killing of Christians in Nigeria — a key Trump Admin priority. Watch the livestream: youtube.com/live/XVLSHuWHv…

Faith in God is a liberty, not a liability. Today, on the 27th anniversary of the enactment of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Act, the Trump Administration reaffirms our commitment to religious freedom as a fundamental right given to us by our Creator.

The U.S. is providing humanitarian assistance to Druze, Christian, and Bedouin communities in Southern Syria. The United States calls on partner countries to contribute life-saving assistance, critical to rebuilding and securing lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The United States condemns the Chinese Communist Party’s recent detention of dozens of leaders of the unregistered Zion Church in China, including prominent pastor Mingri “Ezra” Jin.   We call for their immediate release.

Welcome to Rome, Ambassador Burch and family!

🚨TRUMP: Christianity is the MOST PERSECUTED religion in the world: "Let us protect religious liberty, including for the most persecuted religion on the planet today - it's called Christianity."

I met with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I this week. I reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to protecting religious freedom around the world.

At @POTUS's direction, @SecRubio is taking action to secure religious liberties both at home and abroad, including terminating unlawful State Department policies targeting Christians and addressing the violent repression of Christians overseas. We will never apologize for our God-given rights.