Over the past decade, religious violence has reached unprecedented levels, even in unexpected places. The summit, hosted in the nation's capital, aspires to establish a potent coalition to shed light on the challenges faced by the persecuted and seek effective solutions. The recent Hamas terror massacre against Israelis in October adds a somber note to the discussions.

"The attacks in Israel were motivated by deep religious hatred and profound antisemitism in Hamas. This attack, along with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, has the potential to jeopardize the stability of the entire world," emphasized 2024 IRF Co-chair Katrina Lantos Swett.

From China and North Korea to Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, an estimated 360 million Christians face persecution worldwide, with more than a dozen individuals losing their lives daily due to their faith.

"You've got so many of our enemies attacking us—whether it's Russia, Iran, or even Turkey through Azerbaijan on Armenia—almost every one of these situations has a deep religious component," said 2024 IRF Co-chair Sam Brownback. (Screengrab image: via CBN News)

Religious freedom is under threat across cultures, nations, religions, and political systems globally. Unexpected cases are emerging even in established democracies like Japan and Finland.

'A Very Terrifying Christmas': 140 Villagers Massacred in Christian Area of Nigeria

This message echoes through first-person accounts shared at the summit. In a time of significant division, the nation's capital becomes the epicenter of a powerful bipartisan movement, uniting advocates and politicians worldwide to safeguard the rights of all to worship as they choose.

"Some of the people we have brought together include very progressive Democrats and socially conservative Republicans. We've also engaged representatives from the American Atheists. It's quite an inspiring movement and a positive counterpoint to the divisions we face on so many fronts," said Swett.

According to Brownback, in addition to addressing persecution, special summit sessions will foster interfaith dialogue, aiming to promote peace and develop a blueprint for international collaboration and legislation.

"We're going to see if we can come up with agenda items to present to Congress, building longer-term solutions."

Organizers say a key priority is to avoid partisan politics, urging governments to prioritize religious freedom as a crucial foreign policy issue and a fundamental human right. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Tara Mergener is an award-winning journalist and expert storyteller who spent the majority of her career as a correspondent in Washington, DC.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Why the New RomCom ‘MERV’ Can Bring You Joy This Christmas

How the 'Heavens Declare the Glory of God': What One Man's Research Has Revealed about The Star of Bethlehem

Over 50 Tren de Aragua Gang Members Imported Under Democrats Indicted in Nebraska in Massive Nationwide ATM Jackpotting Scheme

205 Child Victims Located and Rescued in DOJ Sex Exploitation Op

Trump Admin Pausing All Off Shore Wind Project Construction Due To National Security Concerns

Trump Grants Federal Workers Two Additional Christmas Holidays

America Fest 2025: Erika Kirk Endorses 'My Husband's Friend' JD Vance for President

Brent Bozell Confirmed as US Ambassador to South Africa

Jury Quickly Convicts Judge Who Helped Illegal Migrant Escape ICE

Feds Estimate Somali-Linked Fraud in Walz's Minnesota Could Top $9 Billion

Trump SUSPENDS 'Green Card Lottery' after Program Let Brown University–MIT Shooting Suspect Enter the US

Brown, MIT Shooter Found Dead for Days in NH Storage Unit; Motive Still a Mystery

House Passes Bill to Criminalize Transgender Mutilation of Children

November Inflation Falls to 2.7%, Lower than Expected: 'This Is Good News for Wall Street; It’s Good News for Main Street'

MOVIEGUIDE's Review of the New Animated Film: DAVID

Massachusetts Drops Controversial Gender Ideology Mandate for Licensing Foster Care Parents

Nearly 40% of Women Suffer Severe Grief for Years after Abortion, Miscarriage: Study

Former Pfizer Vice President: COVID Shots Were 'Designed to Cause Injury,' Reduce Fertility

Dutch Sheets Shares a Warning from the US National Counterterrorism Center

Venezuela: Trump's Pressure Campaign and Maduro's Fury