How can Christians respond to persecution and defend religious freedom?

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Wissam al-Saliby, president of 21Wilberforce, for a rich conversation about God’s heart for religious freedom and the hope that drives advocacy around the world.

Wissam shares his story of faith and calling, shaped by his years in Lebanon and his work at the United Nations in Geneva with the World Evangelical Alliance, where he championed the cause of 600 million evangelical Christians. From training national alliances in religious freedom to equipping leaders across the Middle East in human rights and humanitarian law, Wissam has seen firsthand both the suffering and the steadfast courage of those who follow Christ under pressure.

Together, Mark and Wissam explore how defending freedom of belief is part of God’s greater mission in the world, the biblical vision that grounds that work, and the practical ways churches and individuals can respond. It’s a conversation that invites us to see advocacy not as politics, but as a reflection of God’s love for every person made in his image.

Topics

• (00:00): Introduction
• (00:37): Reflecting on American history and religious freedom
• (02:40): Introducing Wissam al-Saliby 
• (04:50): Wissam's faith journey and career path
• (09:52): The mission of 21Wilberforce
• (13:27): Biblical inspiration and real-world challenges
• (21:12): Stories of persecution and advocacy
• (27:19): Theological foundations of religious freedom
• (28:30): Challenges and complexities in religious persecution
• (32:54): Global advocacy and local empowerment
• (38:19): Hotspots and lesser-known areas of persecution
• (44:58): Call to action for churches and believers
• (47:52): Conclusion and ways to get involved

Resources

• Ask Us Anything: [e-mail]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• 21Wilberforce
• Why Supporting Religious Freedom is Part of God's Global Mission - 21Wilberforce
• World Evangelical Alliance
• The Voice of the Martyrs
• Open Doors
• First Liberty Institute
• Why is religious freedom necessary? “Liberty for All” offers answers - Denison Forum
• What does the Bible say about religious liberty? - Denison Forum
• Ken Starr's "Religious Liberty in Crisis" is an indispensable guide to defending religious freedom - Denison Forum
• Global persecution of Christians continues to rise - Denison Forum
• When I'm attacked for being a Christian, how should I respond? - Denison Forum
• Are Christians the most persecuted faith on earth? - Denison Forum
• "Free to believe" is for everyone: A conversation with Randel Everett of the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative - Denison Forum

About Wissam al-Saliby

Prior to his appointment as President of 21Wilberforce, Wissam al-Saliby was the Advocacy Officer and then the Director of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland for the World Evangelical Alliance, a network of 140 national alliances representing 600 million evangelical Christians. Under his leadership, the Geneva Office has engaged the United Nations in direct advocacy in approximately 20 country situations each year. Al-Saliby has also pioneered new efforts to help national alliances st