Government Officials, Mid-East Experts, NGOs, and Church Leaders Launch Movement in Support of Persecuted Christians in the Middle East

Government Officials, Mid-East Experts, NGOs, and Church Leaders Launch Movement in Support of Persecuted Christians in the Middle East

Key Leaders to Gather at "The Bridge" Conference on Persecution

By Michael Ireland, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service, www.assistnews.net

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS, June 30, 2016) — A gathering of NGOs, government officials, church leaders, and others concerned about the intolerable persecution being perpetrated against Christians and other religious minorities, is set for July 7-9 in Washington DC, and is free for attendees.

This timely conference, called “The Bridge,” is primarily focused on the plight of Christians and the disappearing church in the Middle East. This movement of leaders will meet to discuss the situation on the ground for Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East, as well as possible policies to secure their future in the region.

According to a media release from International Christian Concern, ICC) www.persecution.org: “The Bridge comes in the wake of CIA Director John Brennan's comments just last week that efforts against ISIS "have not reduced the group's terrorism capability and global reach," and the State Departments declaration of ISIS' actions against religious minorities as genocide.

Attendees will grow a deeper understanding of this designation and possible next steps toward ending this genocide. The conference will also provide attendees with an education of the situation for Christians in the Middle East, training breakout sessions, and the ability to network with other organizations and individuals who share concerns for Christians and other religious minorities in this region.

Those participating will hear from keynote speaker Eric Metaxas, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Senator Ted Cruz, the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, David Saperstein, Congressman Joe Pitts, retired 3-star general, William Boykin, Former US Department of State Coordinator for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications, Alberto Fernandez, and more.

On July 8 & 9 (July 7 is an invite-only session for politicians and Human Rights NGO’s), “The Bridge” is gathering the Church in the US to meet their persecuted brothers and sisters and those that work on their behalf.

“From members of Congress, to nonprofits, to churches, missions pastors, missionaries, and the persecuted themselves, we are gathering the Free and Persecuted Church together to learn from each other and to learn how to connect and fight for the Persecuted Church,” said Jeff King, President, International Christian Concern, www.Persecution.org.

“This is a conference about Persecution where the speakers and leaders we gather will give you the inside scoop on ISIS, persecution, how to get your church engaged, as well as how to connect and assist Christians in persecuted countries,” King said, adding: “Finally, in the persecuted Church, you find real devotion, sacrifice, and great love for the Lord in spite of the terrible cost Christians pay for their faith. It is our hope and desire for the Lord to touch our hearts at this conference and call us to revival.

“It’s that spirit that we love and hope to spread, starting with you!”

King stated of the event, "83 percent of Christians have left Iraq since 2003, indicative of the larger exodus of Christians from this region. This unprecedented movement will raise awareness and work to identify solutions for Christians to stay in this region, living peacefully with neighbors of other faiths.

“The persecution and violence that has been felt by Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East should trouble anyone who values freedom of belief and religious liberty. This conference is the perfect way to hear from victims of these acts regarding the situation on the ground. It also allows attendees to hear from experts on the region, leaders of NGOs that provide support and aide, victims, and government officials regarding policy proposals for addressing this religious persecution."

For more information regarding the conference, or to register to attend, please visit the conference website.

ICC (International Christian Concern) www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

For interviews, please contact: Marylin Guillen-Carrera, Marketing Specialist, International Christian Concern, 301-329-6965, marketing@persecution.org .

Photo captions: 1) The Bridge Conference Logo (Courtesy ICC). 2) Jeff King. 3) Michael Ireland.

About the writer: Michael Ireland is a volunteer internet journalist serving as Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as an Ordained Minister who has served with ASSIST Ministries and written for ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net) since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia.

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