Overview
Today, 117 million people worldwide are displaced, and Christian persecution is intensifying across 50 high‑risk countries. Many of these men, women and children–including countless brothers and sisters in Christ–are facing oppression, imprisonment, torture and death, with very few avenues for safety or support.
At the same time, the US has newly been closing its doors to people seeking refuge. In fiscal year 2026, zero persecuted Christians were allowed to resettle as refugees to the US (contrasted with over 29,000 in 2024). For those who applied for asylum after coming to the US–a legal way to seek protection from persecution–approval rates have dropped from around 50% to as low as 6% for some populations, with many people being sent back to the danger they fled. These changes raise important questions for believers who care deeply about the persecuted Church and those seeking safety.
How do these realities fit together?
What is happening globally to persecuted Christians, and how does the current refugee program impact their ability to find safety?
What is our role, based on what we know of God as revealed in the Bible?
And what practical, Christ‑centered ways can everyday Christians respond?
Join Ryan Brown, President & CEO of Open Doors US, and Matthew Soerens, Vice President of Advocacy & Policy at World Relief, for a thoughtful and eye‑opening conversation. Together, they will help us understand the intersection between the persecuted Church and the US refugee program, explore insights from the new State of the Golden Door report, and offer meaningful ways believers can stand with vulnerable Christians worldwide and refugee neighbors here at home.
Agenda
During this 75‑minute webinar, our speakers will guide us through:
Current persecution trends - Ryan Brown will break down the global landscape and what persecuted believers are facing today.
Key findings from the State of the Golden Door report - Matthew Soerens will explain how recent shifts in the refugee program affect persecuted Christians and other vulnerable groups seeking safety.
Biblical foundations for protecting the vulnerable - How Scripture shapes our commitment to the sanctity of human life, neighborly love, and speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves.
Practical next steps - Ways churches and individuals can support persecuted Christians globally and refugee neighbors locally with compassion and conviction.
Christ-centered ways to support persecuted Christians worldwide and refugee neighbors here at home.
Online via Zoom