The prayer service will be on the southeastern steps of the Capitol. (The House of Representatives Side.)
There will be special prayer for Afghan Christians in America who are facing immediate deportation back to Afghanistan where they will face certain persecution and even death.
The National Day of Prayer service will include national faith leaders and African pastors from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who are facing persecution and violence for their Christian Faith.
Pastor’s Camille and Esther Ntoto will be sharing their experiences in the Congo where they are based.
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Washington, DC based Christian Defense Coalition which organized the Prayer Service, comments:
“Today, the Christian faith is the most oppressed religion in the world. Current persecution of Christians is at its highest level in history. More than 365 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, violence, and discrimination for their faith. That’s one in seven followers of Jesus worldwide who are targeted and attacked.
“American Christians cannot abandon the persecuted Church around the world. We cannot be silent or indifferent as our brothers and sisters face brutality and violence simply because of their faith.
“On ‘The National Day of Prayer,’ we gather on the steps of the United States Capitol to pray for God’s protection and provision for the persecuted Church and ask for our political leaders to be a worldwide public voice and advocate for religious freedom and liberty. This would include expanding the refugee program to protect persecuted Christians globally.”
Alexei Laushkin, Founder of Kingdom Mission Society, states:
“The hundreds of Afghan Christians who are here on Humanitarian Parole represent those facing the most severe Christian persecution in the world. While conditions in Afghanistan may have improved, it has not for Christians.
“This is a time for President Trump to reform the refugee program in favor of those facing severe and extraordinary persecution, like Afghan Christians. The administration should ensure that those whose Humanitarian Parole will expire are the first who are eligible for refugee status as persecuted Christians.
“Given the extreme risk that these Christians face, this process should happen here and these brothers and sisters in Christ should not be removed. If more time is needed for reforms their status should be temporarily extended.”
Rev. Mahoney won a historic federal lawsuit in 2024 which opened up the United States Capitol steps to conduct free speech events, religious gatherings and demonstrations.