International (MNN) — Syria joins perpetrators like Iran and China in a report released this week by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
“The USCIRF report helps to highlight countries where there are egregious violations of freedom of religion and belief. They’re the same countries where Christians suffer the most,” Dan Oleshani of Open Doors International says.
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. Wherever it’s not protected, Christians face persecution. “Freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental right given to us by God. ‘Choose you this day who you will follow’ – the words of Joshua,” Oleshani says.
“Freedom of religion and belief coexist very comfortably with the quality of life. If you can’t choose where to worship, what to read, or who to congregate with, that’s a huge loss.”
Each year, USCIRF’s annual report and Open Doors’ World Watch List overlap. Afghanistan, Nigeria, and India appear in both places this year, along with China, Iran, and Syria.
(Screenshot of Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List)
“Countries designated for their lack of freedom of religion and belief are the same countries that we identify in the World Watch List for the persecution of Christians,” Oleshani says.
“There is overlap, and I think it’s a good thing, because the push by USCIRF and others for freedom of religion and belief also impacts the people that we are serving: persecuted Christians.”
Mandated by Congress, the USCIRF report helps inform State Department decisions. Actions can range from individual sanctions to economic pressure.
“It becomes important when the U.S. government and other Western governments take this report more seriously and apply pressure. It could be positive pressure or pressure that actually hurts. Then it starts to make a difference,” Oleshani says.
Prayer needs
USCIRF’s annual report and Open Doors’ World Watch List contain testimonies and statistics representing real people. Oleshani describes three ways to pray for them.
First, “Pray for those who are in authority” in countries that restrict religious freedom, Oleshani says.
“Part of [good governance] is allowing your citizens to choose whom to believe. That is an individual choice. It should not be dictated by a government.”
Nigerian church (photo courtesy of Tosin Superson via Pexels)
Persecuted Christians wrote much of the New Testament, including portions that exhort believers to intercede for governing powers. “Scripture, particularly Romans, was written when Rome was in power,” Oleshani says.
“Ancient Rome was a very oppressive government, so for the Scriptures to exhort us to do that (pray), it tells us that it is possible, and it is a good model.”
Second, Oleshani adds, “Pray for our persecutors, because the Lord is able to change their hearts, too.”
Third, “Pray that the understanding of the Bible will become more widespread,” Oleshani requests. “The Bible is a foundation for freedom of religion and belief.”
Header image courtesy of Heart4Iran.
