EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Dear IDC Friends and Supporters,

IDC logged a busy and productive month in October.  Last month, we met with various Members of Congress and staff to discuss emerging opportunities and work on various initiatives, namely legislation to address the demographic decline facing Christians in Iraq, widespread and unchecked violence against Christians in Nigeria, and legislative opportunities to support the Abraham’s Missing Child initiative.

In early October, IDC Executive Director Richard Ghazal participated in the Athens Summit, part of the greater Abraham's Missing Child initiative.  The summit was convened by the Philos Project, and hosted representatives from various Christian communities throughout the Near East.  The summit successfully outlined actionable recommendations aimed at improving conditions for indigenous Christian communities in the Near East.  The Athens Summit is part of a three-part series that will include Jewish and Muslim counterparts, and government representatives, to garner support for the recommended reforms.

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, we ask that you continue to pray for the universal Christian family, many communities of which face ever-growing persecution and violence.  Also, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support IDC's efforts in advocating for persecuted Christian communities in the Middle East and around the world.  Our work is dependent on your generosity!

You can also take action by contacting your Members of Congress through the IDC Action website, and following us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  Thank you for your steadfast support.

-Andrew Doran

IDC President

 
 

IDC ON THE HILL

IDC is actively engaged on Capitol Hill.  In October, we met with the following Members of Congress and staffs to discuss emerging opportunities and work on legislative initiatives:

  • Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)
  • Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
  • Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
  • Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)
  • Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)
  • Rep Tim Burchett (R-TN)
  • Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)
  • Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA)
  • Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
  • Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX)
  • Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ)
  • Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI)
  • Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA)
  • Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
  • Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA)
  • Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)
 
 
 

IDC IN THE MEDIA

 

THE SAUDI MIRAGE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Gabriella Perez, IDC Kazma Advocacy Intern 
September 15, 2022

"As part of his Vision 2030 plan for modernization, crown prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) has been pushing many other reforms...MBS touts these reforms as 'liberalization,' but Saudi Arabia watchers say these changes are really a power grab: the monarchy is reigning in the Wahhabi religious establishment to solidify its power and stifle opposition." (Gabriella Perez, Providence Magazine)

AMERICA MUST NOT LOSE SAUDI ARABIA TO CHINA

Max Prowant, Philos Project Research Fellow at IDC
September 22, 2022

"The anticipated meeting between the regional power of Saudi Arabia and the ascending global power of China offers the United States an opportunity to reflect on this budding alliance between the two countries. It should remind Americans of the importance of a regional security strategy that courts the Saudis. It should also remind Americans that if they lose Saudi Arabia to Chinese ambitions, human rights will never materialize in the Middle East. For that to happen, the United States needs to double down on its efforts to placate Saudi anxieties about a region without a strong American presence." (Max Prowant, The National Interest)

 

INTERNATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 
 

ABRAHAM'S MISSING CHILD: ATHENS SUMMIT

 
 

In early October, IDC Executive Director Richard Ghazal participated in the Athens Summit, part of the greater Abraham's Missing Child initiative.  The summit was convened by the Philos Project, and hosted representatives from various Christian communities throughout the Near East.  The summit successfully outlined actionable recommendations aimed at improving conditions for indigenous Christian communities in the Near East.  The Athens Summit is part of a three-part series which will include Jewish and Muslin counterparts, and government representatives to garner support for the recommended reforms.

According to Richard Ghazal, "Our task is to seize on the positive momentum started by the Abraham Accords and guide it for the good of the entire region—including the ancient and endangered Christian communities—to secure a sustainable peace in the Middle East."

MARCH FOR THE MARTRYS: WASHINGTON, DC

On Saturday, September 24, IDC partnered with March for the Martyrs to bring awareness to the plight of Christians around the world. At the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, IDC President Andrew Doran and Executive Director Richard Ghazal spoke to a crowd of Christian advocates about the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. IDC thanks Gia Chacon, founder of For the Martyrs, for her strong partnership.

 
 

Join IDC's mission by making a tax-deductible donation! 

 
 
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