We must not resign ourselves to thinking of a Middle East without Christians, who for 2,000 years have confessed the name of Jesus, and have been fully integrated as citizens into the social, cultural, and religious life of the nations to which they belong."
-Pope Francis, 21 November 2013
The Christian presence in the Holy Lands traces its roots to the earliest days of Christianity. These small, diverse communities have historically contributed to the vibrant social fabric of their societies in the fields of science, medicine, and philosophy. Their fraternity with the diversity of Churches and other religious groups helps to foster greater interreligious dialogue, unity, and peace in the Middle East.
In the midst of the turbulence in the Middle East, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expresses solidarity with Christians and all those who suffer from the conflict and persecution in the region. The Church stands at the service of all people in the Middle East, both Christians and Muslims.
LEARN MORE
- Who Are the Christians of the Middle East?
- Who Are the Catholics of the Middle East?
- What has the Church said about Christians in the Middle East?
- Christians in the Middle East Backgrounder
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS, LETTERS, AND RESOURCES
Video: Religious Freedom and Christians in the Middle East
Letter to Senators Corker and Cardin in Support of the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
Bishop Oscar Cantú, June 9, 2017
USCCB President Offers Prayers for Victims in Latest Attack on Coptic Christians
May 26, 2017
Encounter in Egypt: Trip Highlights One of Pope's Key Teachings
Catholic News Service, May 4, 2017
U.S. Bishops Conference Responds to Explosions at Two Coptic Churches
April 9, 2017
Statement expressing solidarity with Christians and all those who suffer in the Middle East.
February 10, 2017
Letter to Representatives Smith and Eshoo Commending the Introduction of Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, January 30, 2017
Middle East Religious Freedom Fact Sheet
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in the Middle East
Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
DAY OF PRAYER FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS
Join USCCB, the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Relief Services, Aid to the Church in Need, and CNEWA on November 26th, the Solemnity of Christ the King, for a Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians.
- Homily Notes
- Intercessions
- Recommended Aid Agencies
- Prayer Card | En Español
- Background on Catholic Churches in the Middle East
- Background on Christians of the Middle East
- Solidarity Statement
- #SolidarityInSuffering Graphics for Local Use
- Video: Religious Freedom and Christians in the Middle East
Outside Resources
- Under Caesar's Sword: Study Materials on Christian Persecution
- Catholic Near East Welfare Assoc.: Middle East Christians on the Move
- Catholic Near East Welfare Assoc.: Middle East Churches
- Persecuted and Forgotten? A report on Christians oppressed for their Faith 2015-17
Aid to the Church in Need