Christians, religious minorities in Afghanistan now face greater danger under Taliban rule

Groups to march on Washington Saturday to raise awareness of Christian persecutions around the world amid concerns for religious minorities in Afghanistan during the March for Martyrs.

The March for the Martyrs, which is the first and only Large-Scale march in United States history to stand in solidarity with Christians around the world, will be hosted in the Nation’s Capital this year.  (For the Martyrs) Founding President of For the Martyrs, Gia Chacon, told FOX Business that it couldn't be timelier that the march will be held in Washington sharing "everyone's been paying attention to what's been going on in Afghanistan…the reports of Christians who are now hunted down…killed for their faith."  (For the Martyrs) Over a thousand attendees are expected at the March, welcoming "all ages and all denominations of Christianity [to] come together as one voice for the persecuted church," said Chacon.  (For the Martyrs) She hopes the event will catch the attention of those in Congress and the White House. She says they will continue to host the March for the Martyrs in Washington, D.C. (For the Martyrs) Speakers at the event include survivors of Christian persecution, important leaders, and strong Christian figures. (For the Martyrs) "We've heard reports of Christians who have been killed just for having a Bible on their phone and pastors being sent messages, warnings from the Taliban to cease operations from their home churches. Christians who are already under threat in the country are now facing an increase of violence and will continue to face this increase of violence in the country," shared Chacon.    (For the Martyrs)

The international NGO advocating on behalf of persecuted Christians, also found that there was a 60% increase globally of Christians being killed for faith related reasons in 2020 up from 2019. 

The March for the Martyrs, the first large-scale march in U.S. history to stand in solidarity with Christians around the world, will be hosted in the nation’s capital this year. The march, hosted by For the Martyrs, has moved from Long Beach, California, amid the current situation in Afghanistan to raise further awareness.