Campaign Launched to Protect Christians from U.N. Resolution

By By Ethan Cole
untitled1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111.bmp
In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, a pilgrim carries an image of Jesus Christ during the 60th Christian Festival in the village of Mariamabad, Sheikhupura district, Pakistan. Non-Muslims make up less than 5 percent of Pakistan's 175 million people. They are especially vulnerable to anti-blasphemy laws that carry the death penalty for derogatory remarks or any other action against Islam, the Quran or the Prophet Muhammad. (Photo: AP / Alexandre Meneghini) In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, a pilgrim carries

A ministry working with persecuted Christians launched a campaign Tuesday against a U.N. resolution that many human rights groups say can be manipulated to oppress religious minorities living in Muslim-majority countries.

The Defamation of Religions Resolution, backed by the 57 Muslim-majority countries that make up the Organization of Islamic Conference, is expected to be proposed next month or later this year. It seeks to criminalize words or actions that are deemed defamatory towards a particular religion.

Rights groups, however, warn the resolution could be used to legitimize anti-blasphemy laws and intimidate human rights activists and religious dissenters. Critics say instead of protecting adherents of religions, including religious minorities, the resolution protects religions themselves.

Open Doors, the group that launched the new campaign, pointed to the recent anti-Christian rampage in Gojra, Pakistan, where Muslim mobs killed and burned Christian homes based on a blasphemy rumor. At least seven Christians were killed and more than 100 homes were looted and burned in the Gojra attack.

“Many Christians living in these countries (OIC) are already severely impacted by restrictive laws – especially those living under strict Shariah law,” said Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller. “From the right to worship freely to the ability to share the Gospel, the Defamation of Religions Resolution threatens to justify local laws that already marginalize Christians."

“The Defamation of Religions Resolution is a blow against religious freedom,” he added.

The Christian ministry has launched an advocacy campaign aimed at preventing the non-binding resolution from passing at the United Nations. It plans to lobby key countries, which will vote on the resolution, and organize a petition drive against the proposal.

Groups that have protested against the Defamation of Religions resolution in the past include The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, Freedom House, U.N. Watch, and Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

“It is crucial that this resolution is defeated. Join our advocacy team now,” Moeller urged. “We need to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

On the Web: www.OpenDoorsUSA.org

    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.

Top Stories