21Wilberforce

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...

05/07/2026

What does the Geneva Revival have to do with the Red Cross and the first Geneva Convention?

In this new piece, Wissam al-Saliby explores how Christian convictions about human dignity and mercy helped shape early humanitarian efforts that still influence the laws of war today.

Read the article:

By Wissam al-Saliby During my 6 years of ministry in Geneva, I had the opportunity to worship on several occasions at the Chapelle de l’Oratoire, at 7 Rue Tabazan. After several worship services, my eyes rested on a plaque above one of the entrances. As a student and advocate of international huma...

05/05/2026

What does faith look like in the middle of conflict?

At a seminary on the Thailand–Myanmar border, students study while war continues nearby. Many carry trauma, grief, and uncertainty — yet they are still choosing hope.

Wapang Imchen and Ashe Chakhesang are helping form leaders committed to reconciliation, healing, and peace.

One student who once wanted revenge after losing his brother in the conflict now mentors other young people affected by war.

Read their story here:

Where faith is lived in the shadow of war—and reconciliation is not theory, but survival. On some days, the classroom windows shake from bombs falling just across the river that separates Thailand from Myanmar. Jet fighters pass overhead, the ground trembles, and yet inside Kawthoolei Hope Theolog...

05/04/2026

Christians in Manipur, India are asking for prayer.

Amid rising violence and division between local communities, Christian leaders are calling for peace, unity, and an end to the fear and misinformation that continue to fuel conflict. Families have lost homes. Communities are grieving. And yet, voices of faith are still urging reconciliation.

Let’s stand with them in prayer today.

-Pray for peace between divided communities
-Pray for protection for those in danger
-Pray for healing for families and communities affected
-Pray for truth, compassion, and wise leadership

“When one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)

04/29/2026

On Freedom Day in South Africa, we join Rev. Mae Elise Canon in reflecting on the ongoing work of justice, truth-telling, and reconciliation around the world.

Freedom Day in South Africa - and we at Churches for Middle East Peace offered this joint statement in a spirit of solidarity, truth-telling, and faithful witness. https://lnkd.in/eHWSgVPG

04/24/2026

Survivors of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba share their stories—voices that bear witness to loss, resilience, and the urgent need for protection. Their testimony is a call to act.