Ambassador Sam Brownback Highlights Persecution in China, Says Religious Freedom 'Top Priority' for Trump Administration

Sam Brownback
Sam Brownback, the U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom, speaks during Proclaim 19, the National Religious Broadcasters' International Christian Media Convention.  NRB

ANAHEIM - Sam Brownback, the U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom, warned that China is one of the most egregious persecutors of Christians today -- and the United States is one of the only countries willing to stand up to the Communist administration.

Brownback told those gathered at Proclaim 19, the National Religious Broadcasters' International Christian Media Convention, that "Religious freedom is a top foreign policy priority for this administration. We believe this is a universal and natural right.

"Every day, I get to work on behalf of the persecuted around the world," he said, adding that America "is in a unique spot to advocate for the persecuted around the world."

Brownback identified China as a particularly oppressive, systematic persecutor of Christians, demonstrated by the destruction of churches and the arrest of pastors and religious adherents.

"Unfortunately, the United States is one of the few countries willing to stand up to China," Brownback said. "We need more allies to stand up to them, particularly on these issues of human rights and religious persecution."

Christian communicators, he emphasized, play an important role in combating religious persecution and alerting the public of the sobering reality Christians around the world face every day.

"We need a grassroots uprising saying, 'No more to religious persecution. No more,'" Brownback said. "It's through the reporting and story-telling that you do, of organizations like yours that can serve as catalysts for advocacy."

Currently, China ranks as the 27th worst nation in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's World Watch List.

"All churches are perceived as a threat if they become too large, too political or invite foreign guests," notes Open Doors. "A policy of 'sinicizing' the church is becoming increasingly influential as the Communist Party is relying strongly on Chinese cultural identity to stay in power. The new restrictions on the internet, social media, and NGOs -and the new regulations on religion - are all seriously limiting freedom. However, it is not only the introduction of new laws but also the stricter implementation of already existing laws."

Brownback spoke during the NRB's public policy super session, sponsored by Save the Persecuted Christians. He revealed that The U.S. Department of State will host its second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom July 16-18 in Washington, D.C., There, delegations from more than 80 foreign governments will gather to promote the freedom of all people to practice their beliefs.

Following the ambassador's speech, Aaron Mercer, NRB's vice president of government relations, ask him how NRB members could pray. Brownback asked for prayer for himself and others "to have wisdom and discernment" regarding which battles to join and "favor with God and man to be able to push these [initiatives] on forward."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.