For peace to be obtained religious freedom and the ability for members of different religions to coexist peacefully is necessary.
Religious freedom is a global concern yet more people are persecuted for their faith now than at any other time in history. Nowhere are threats to religious communities more visible than in the Middle East. This lack of religious freedom has led to persecution and the genocide of religious minorities.
In some countries in the Middle East, religious freedom simply does not exist. Others, like Turkey, were once mainly Christian, but due to persecution and genocide, Christians are now a tiny minority. Christian communities may not have full legal status and Christians may face restrictions on their ability to own property. Still, other countries nominally have religious freedom but in practice severely restrict Christianity. Christians in these areas are not free to practice their faith without discrimination and even arrest and live in fear of ISIS.
When Christians in the Middle East are impacted by persecution and violence the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East is there to provide relief and help them get back on their feet. Outreaches such as Nineveh SEED (Sustainable Enterprise Economic Development) provide direct assistance to those who are affected by religious persecution when it takes the form of violence.
American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East.
To make a donation to American FRRME, please visit NETWORK FOR GOOD.