Wed., Nov. 18: Rep. Chris Smith to chair hearing on Christian persecution“Worldwide Persecution of Christians: Responding to New Challenges”

On Wednesday, November 18 th , Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC), will chair a congressional hearing entitled “Worldwide Persecution of Christians: Responding to New Challenges.” In many countries, governments impose restrictions on religious practice, discriminate against Christians and other religious minorities, and subject religious leaders and believers to surveillance, imprisonment, and other forms of repression. In other places, Christians face violence and intimidation from non-state actors, including extremist movements, militias, and criminal organizations. Armed conflict, political instability, religious nationalism, and weak rule of law can further expose Christian communities to attack and displacement. Witnesses will examine where persecution is increasing, which state and non-state actors are responsible, and what political, ideological, and social factors are driving these developments; assess how churches, civil society organizations, and foreign governments are responding, including efforts to assist victims, protect vulnerable communities, and promote accountability; and consider how the U.S. government can be more effective in defending the universal right of Christians and other religious communities to practice their faith freely and safely. WHAT : Congressional hearing examining the persecution of Christians around the world, particularly emerging threats and efforts by governments and civil society to protect vulnerable Christian communities. WHEN : Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM WITNESSES : (Partial list) David K. Trimble, President, Religious Freedom Institute John Eibner, International President, Christian Solidarity International Timothy Shah, Distinguished Research Scholar in Politics, University of Dallas; Secretary of the Board, G20 Religion Forum (R20) Jeremy Tedesco, Senior Counsel, Senior Vice President of Global Free Speech, Alliance Defending Freedom Matthew Soerens, Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, World Relief WHERE : 210 Cannon House Office Building and livestreamed here WHO : Co-Chairs of the TLHRC, other members of the Commission, and witnesses ###