to publicly acknowledge the worldwide persecution of Christians particularly at the hands of Islamic extremism.

While it is acknowledged that atrocities have been committed by all religions and by non-religion throughout history, proving that the selfishness of the human heart knows no bounds, in our present time, the worldwide persecution of Christians is escalating resulting in oppression, human rights abuses, imprisonment, and even barbaric slaughter of men, women, and children. This persecution is particularly being carried out at the hands of Islamic extremists. We call on President Obama to publicly acknowledge this persecution, to denounce it and call for Muslim leaders and other religious leaders to do the same, to make religious freedom a priority of his administration, and to make the resources of the U.S. available to defend and support persecuted Christians especially in the Middle East.