21Wilberforce

06/21/2026

More than 60 Christians were reportedly attacked while gathered for Sunday worship in Chhattisgarh, India. According to eyewitness accounts, worshippers—including children and a pregnant woman—were assaulted after refusing demands to renounce their faith.

Responding to the attack, 21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby stated:

"No one should be forced to choose between their faith and full participation in community life."

He also emphasized that religious freedom includes the ability to worship, work, access public services, and live without fear of violence, coercion, or discrimination.

21Wilberforce continues to advocate for the protection of religious freedom and the rights of vulnerable religious minorities around the world.

Read the full story in Baptist Standard.

Over 60 congregants were attacked during a Sunday service on May 31 in Chhattisgarh State, India, after refusing to renounce their faith.

06/20/2026

On June 18, one day prior to the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 21Wilberforce joined Voices for Justice and partner organizations as a sponsor of a rally calling for the release of Leah Sharibu, the Nigerian Christian woman who has remained in captivity since her abduction by Boko Haram-affiliated militants in 2018. The rally highlighted Leah's enduring witness of faith and drew attention to the thousands of women and girls in Nigeria who have suffered abduction, sexual violence, and religious persecution, while urging Nigerian authorities and the international community to pursue justice, accountability, and the freedom of all those still held captive.

06/15/2026

Learn how you can speak up and pray for Leah Sharibu and the missing girls of Nigeria during the Voices4Justice campaign:
https://21wilberforce.org/endthesilence-standing-for-leah-sharibu-and-nigerias-missing-christian-women-and-girls/

06/10/2026

Next week June 19th is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict—a day to honor survivors, remember victims, and renew our commitment to ending violence against women and girls in conflict zones around the world.

This year, we invite you to remember Leah Sharibu.

Eight years ago, Leah was kidnapped from her school in Dapchi, Nigeria. Today, she remains in captivity after reportedly refusing to renounce her Christian faith.

Sadly, Leah's story is not unique. Across Nigeria's conflict-affected regions, women and girls continue to face abduction, forced marriage, sexual violence, trafficking, and forced religious conversion.

On June 18, 21Wilberforce will join Christian Freedom International, Jubilee Campaign, and partners from around the world at the rally outside the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C. This is part of a Voices4Justice global advocacy effort.

We gather to honor survivors, advocate for those still missing, and call for action on behalf of Leah Sharibu and countless others whose voices have gone unheard.

🙏 Pray for Leah and all those still in captivity.
📢 Share their stories.
✍️ Sign the campaign letter.
📍 Join us in Washington, D.C. if you are able.

As the world observes June 19, let us ensure that Leah and Nigeria's missing women and girls are not forgotten.

Read more: https://21wilberforce.org/endthesilence-standing-for-leah-sharibu-and-nigerias-missing-christian-women-and-girls/

Eight years ago, a 14-year-old Nigerian girl disappeared into captivity because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. Today, Leah Sharibu remains missing—and the world must not forget her. On June 18, Christian Freedom International, Jubilee Campaign, and 21Wilberforce will join with advoca...

06/10/2026

The Church in Manipur is facing one of its most difficult moments.

Following the tragic killing of three pastors, Christian leaders from different communities are continuing to work for peace, reconciliation, and the release of hostages despite immense pressure and personal risk.

Our latest article shares the story of these leaders, the ongoing crisis in Manipur, and the remarkable testimony of forgiveness offered by the son of Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou at his father's funeral.

Please take a moment to read, pray, and stand with believers in Manipur.

Read more:

In February of this year, a local altercation in Manipur’s Ukhrul District escalated long-standing tensions between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, leading to property destruction, militant attacks, and displacement. On Wednesday, May 13, our 21Wilberforce team woke up to a flood of messag...

06/01/2026

Millions of Christians around the world face discrimination, oppression, and persecution because of their faith. How should the church respond?

In this message, "God's Call to Comfort the Suffering," Wissam al-Saliby, President of 21Wilberforce, reminds us that God's comfort is not meant to stop with us. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 1, he challenges believers to become instruments of God's comfort for those who are suffering—especially our brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution around the world.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to remember them, pray for them, encourage them, and stand with them.

Watch the sermon here:

In this message from 2 Corinthians 1, Wissam al-Saliby, President of 21Wilberforce, explores God's comfort in the midst of suffering and hardship. Drawing fr...

05/28/2026

NEW REPORT: USCIRF’s May 2026 publication, Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants, highlights the continuing threats facing religious communities in Nigeria and calls attention to ongoing violations of religious freedom.

Read the report: https://www.uscirf.gov/publications/nonstate-violators-religious-freedom-nigeria-fulani-militants

In recent years, armed actors from a Fulani ethnic background have perpetrated some of the most notorious, visible, and deadly attacks on religious communities in Nigeria—often but not exclusively against Christians. This publication examines these militants’ contributions to deter...

05/27/2026

21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby was recently quoted in Baptist Standard regarding the escalating violence and hostage crisis in Manipur, India.

Three Baptist leaders were killed while returning from a gathering focused on reconciliation and peacebuilding. The violence that followed has deeply impacted Christian communities across the region.

“21Wilberforce has worked alongside Baptist communities in Northeast India for many years to support reconciliation and peacebuilding,” Wissam shared.

Please join us in praying for the release of remaining hostages, comfort for grieving families, and lasting peace in Manipur.

Read more here:
https://baptiststandard.com/news/world/hostage-crisis-follows-manipur-killings/

The killing of three Kuki-Thadou Christian leaders in Manipur sparked retaliatory abductions, a hostage crisis, and renewed calls for peace.

05/20/2026

In Northeast Nigeria, where extremist violence has devastated countless lives, Gloria Samdi Puldu is helping survivors of persecution, trafficking, and terrorism rebuild their futures through trauma healing, discipleship, vocational training, and advocacy.

Her story is a powerful reminder that courageous leaders are bringing hope to some of the world’s most overlooked communities.

https://21wilberforce.org/a-voice-for-the-forgotten-gloria-puldus-fight-for-nigerias-persecuted-girls/

In Northeast Nigeria, where extremist violence has scarred entire communities and thousands of families still live with the trauma of abduction, displacement, and loss, one woman has become a relentless advocate for those the world too often overlooks. Gloria Samdi Puldu has spent years standing alo...

05/13/2026

21Wilberforce mourns and condemns today’s attack by an armed group on Thadou Baptist Association leaders in Manipur, India.

May 13, 2026 21Wilberforce mourns and condemns today’s attack by an armed group on Thadou Baptist Association leaders in Manipur, India. Three Baptist leaders were killed: Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Pa...