On the recordDecember 12, 2017
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my resolution, H. Res. 407, condemning the persecution of Christians around the world. The persecution of Christians is a global human rights problem that Congress needs to address. According to Open Doors' 2017 World Watch List, approximately 1 in 12 Christians around the world is experiencing persecution for their faith. North Korea, which is one of the world's most repressive regimes, is a serious violator of international religious Christian rights, which is not surprising, given it is a communist country. Communist countries throughout history have done what they can to suppress and destroy Christians. Human rights groups have reported that members of underground churches in North Korea have been arrested, beaten, tortured, or killed. In another communist country, China, religious groups, including Christians, are required to register with the government. Those that do not face imprisonment and torture. In 2016, 232 Protestants were imprisoned for their religious activities. As part of the country's anti-cross campaign, some 2,000 crosses and buildings have been demolished since 2014, according to State Department estimates. In the Middle East, the Islamic State and other jihadist militant groups have forced Christians in Iraq, Syria, Libya, and other countries in the region to flee or risk enslavement, execution, or death. Since the U.S.…
