From Nigeria to the Middle East, is there a worldwide Christian genocide underway | The Daily T

The Persecution of Christians Worldwide: A Discussion with Father Benedict Keelley

Key Concepts:

• Persecution of Christians: Systematic targeting and oppression of Christians due to their faith.
• Genocide: The deliberate and systematic destruction of a group of people.
• Nazaren.org: A charity founded by Father Benedict Keelley providing seed capital to Christians in persecuted regions to establish businesses and remain in their homelands.
• ISIS (Islamic State): A militant Islamist group responsible for widespread violence and persecution, particularly in Iraq and Africa.
• Martyrdom: Dying for one’s faith; a central concept in Christian theology.
• The ‘Two Lungs’ of the Church: Pope John Paul II’s metaphor for the importance of both Western and Eastern Christian traditions.
• Iconoclasm: The destruction of religious images or symbols.
• Shahid: The Islamic term for a martyr, differing in concept from Christian martyrdom.

I. The Reality of Christian Persecution Globally

The discussion centers on the widespread persecution faced by Christians globally, a reality often downplayed or ignored in Western media and political discourse. It acknowledges acknowledgement by figures like Donald Trump and the King, contrasting it with a reluctance to label the situation as “genocide.” Father Benedict Keelley affirms that Christians are specifically targeted for their faith worldwide. A stark example is the Pentecost Sunday mass shooting in Nigeria two to three years prior, where over 40 people were killed by Islamists, an event dismissed by Irish President Michael Higgins as being caused by “global warming.” The Bishop of that diocese directly refuted this claim, stating the victims were murdered because they were Christians.

Data from Open Doors UK indicates that in 2024, approximately 4,500 Christians were killed for their faith, with 70% of those deaths occurring in Nigeria. While acknowledging contributing factors like desertification and resulting conflicts between farmers and herders, Father Keelley emphasizes that the primary driver is religious violence, specifically Muslim violence against Christians. He highlights the growing presence of ISIS affiliates across Africa, noting that while the caliphate was defeated in Iraq, ISIS is expanding its influence throughout the continent. Nigeria is currently considered the most dangerous place in the world to practice Christianity, second only to North Korea where even possessing a Bible is illegal.

II. Case Studies: Nigeria, Egypt, Armenia, and Iraq

Several countries are examined as case studies illustrating the severity and nuances of Christian persecution:

• Nigeria: The most dangerous country for practicing Christians, with a high number of deaths attributed to both targeted attacks by ISIS affiliates and broader conflicts exacerbated by climate change. The destruction of villages, churches, and the brutal methods employed (burning alive) demonstrate a deliberate intent beyond mere land acquisition.
• Egypt (Coptic Christians): The Coptic Christians, despite being the oldest Christian community in Egypt (tracing back to ancient Egypt), face systemic discrimination and second-class citizenship. They endure violence, such as the 2016/2019 church bombing in Cairo, and often work in extremely difficult conditions, like the Zabelene community who scavenge through Cairo’s garbage. Despite these hardships, the Coptic community maintains a strong faith and has successfully preserved its identity in the diaspora.
• Armenia: The oldest Christian nation (since 301 AD) is facing a complex situation. While experiencing ethnic violence and displacement due to conflict with Azerbaijan (supported by Turkey), the Armenian Apostolic Church is also facing crackdowns from its own government, with bishops being arrested for protesting. The historical context of the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Turks is also highlighted.
• Iraq: The discussion references the 2014 expulsion of Christians from Nineveh, the historical heartland of Christianity. Father Keelley recounts witnessing the desecration of churches by ISIS, including their use as torture centers and target practice ranges. He describes the systematic defacement of religious imagery and the attempted discovery of weapons by ISIS fighters, believing nuns were hiding them. The destruction of graves, with bodies exhumed and discarded, is presented as a deliberate attempt to erase Christian history and memory.

III. Nazaren.org: A Practical Response to Persecution

Father Benedict Keelley details the work of Nazaren.org, which he founded after witnessing the plight of displaced Christians in Iraq in 2014. The organization’s core mission is to provide seed capital to Christians in persecuted regions, enabling them to start small businesses and remain in their ancestral homelands. This approach addresses the root causes of displacement and offers a sustainable solution, countering the trend of mass migration. Nazaren.org currently operates in six countries, supporting over 70 businesses in Iraq alone. The organization’s work is rooted in a Catholic understanding of prayer and witness. Seven shrines dedicated to the “Mother of the Persecuted” (an icon written in Aramaic) have been established as centers for prayer and solidarity.

IV. Western Response and Theological Considerations

The conversation critiques the Western world’s reluctance to acknowledge and address the persecution of Christians, attributing it to a secular worldview and a discomfort with acknowledging religious partiality. The principle of prioritizing “members of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10) is invoked, drawing a parallel to the airline safety instruction of securing one’s own oxygen mask before assisting others. The discussion challenges the notion that supporting one’s own religious community is inherently racist, emphasizing the universal communion of Christians and the shared responsibility for the suffering of fellow believers.

Theological points are raised regarding the nature of martyrdom, contrasting the Christian concept of witnessing to the truth even unto death with the Islamic concept of shahid (martyrdom through self-destruction). The suffering of Christ and the historical reality of persecution as a defining characteristic of Christian identity are also discussed. The idea that persecution can strengthen faith, as evidenced by the resilience of Christians in Nigeria and the historical examples of the early Church and communist Eastern Europe, is presented. The concept of the “two lungs” of the Church, as articulated by Pope John Paul II, is invoked to emphasize the importance of both Western and Eastern Christian traditions.

V. The Role of Political Action and the Importance of Speaking Out

The discussion touches on the potential role of political action, specifically advocating for trade and aid policies that hold persecuting governments accountable. Donald Trump’s vocalization of the issue is acknowledged as a positive step, forcing the Nigerian government to respond. The importance of churches and religious leaders speaking out against persecution is emphasized, despite the risks involved. Silence is equated with consent, and the need to challenge the narrative that persecution is not occurring is underscored.

Notable Quotes:

• “My people were not murdered because of global warming. They were murdered because they were Christians.” – Bishop (regarding the Nigeria shooting)
• “We’re so weak. No one really supports us.” – Nigerian priest (describing the feeling of abandonment by the West)
• “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” – Traditional Christian saying.
• “Silence often equals consent.” – Father Benedict Keelley.

Data & Statistics:

• 4,500: Approximate number of Christians killed for their faith in 2024.
• 70%: Percentage of those deaths occurring in Nigeria.
• 20 million: Estimated number of Coptic Christians in Egypt (government estimate is lower).
• 301 AD: Year Armenia became the first Christian nation.

Conclusion:

The conversation paints a grim picture of the escalating persecution of Christians worldwide, particularly in regions like Nigeria, Egypt, Armenia, and Iraq. It highlights the need for a more honest and proactive response from the West, encompassing both practical support through organizations like Nazaren.org and a renewed commitment to speaking out against injustice. The discussion underscores the theological significance of suffering and martyrdom within the Christian faith, and the importance of recognizing the historical roots of Christianity in the Middle East. Ultimately, it calls for a re-evaluation of Western priorities and a renewed solidarity with Christians facing persecution globally.