The Role of Nation-State Leaders and Christians in Advocacy
At the Luke Alliance, when we first became involved in advocacy for Wang Yi, the prevailing question we asked ourselves was, “In the face of his suffering and the suffering of other Christians in China, what can we do?” We know that God works even in people's lives, even in churches when they're being persecuted. Still, for us, who were not suffering under persecution, we spent a lot of time in prayer, talking with God about what our role could be in a complicated human rights issue that crossed diplomatic and international lines. Over time, it’s become clear that Christians in free and democratic contexts can powerfully influence nation-state leaders.
Nation-State Leaders and Advocacy
In Scripture, God works through churches and throughout church history and pastors' lives when they're being persecuted (Acts 4 and 7). So, we know the Lord uses persecution to grow the church and increase the faith of believers. At the same time, persecution of God's people, Christians, and anyone for their religious background and faith tradition is a great evil in the sight of God (Psalm 9, Psalm 12, Amos 5). Religious persecution should not be happening in the world. It is an injustice that Christians have the power and obligation to speak against through the storytelling power of advocacy.
“The Bible describes as evil the persecution of Christians for their faith. This is where we, as individual believers, find our place as advocates.”
The Role of Christians in Advocacy
It's the role of those who live in nation-states around the world who are not being persecuted to speak out on behalf of those who have no voice in their countries and are being persecuted. So when we look at a nation like China, which routinely suppresses the religious rights of people of different faith traditions, it's the role of other governments to say, “That's not how governments are supposed to function.” It's our role as Christians or those who are concerned about those who are being treated unjustly within those nation-states to speak out to our leaders and say, “This is a great atrocity; a great injustice is happening in the world. We would like for you to do something about it.” We tell the story of what’s happening to specific people whose rights to religious freedom are suppressed.
When we look at Romans 13, the call of the nation-state is to reward what is good and punish what is evil. Christians of all sects agree that it is evil when someone is being persecuted for simply practicing their faith. The Bible describes as evil the persecution of Christians for their faith. This is where we find our place as individual Christians in advocacy. We witness the stories and suffering, and we work to alleviate that suffering where we can, but we also have a strong path of access to people in government and other influential positions who also work for and care deeply about the rights of people worldwide.
When we advocate for persecuted, imprisoned, or oppressed believers, we can wield great influence on behalf of persecuted believers in China and worldwide. If you find yourself with such an opportunity, be specific in your speech: tell the story, share the facts, and give leaders the information they can use. Identify a tangible task, and specifically ask: “Would you please respond in your capacity as a leader by letter, by digital communication, and through diplomatic channels to what is happening? Would you please support our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering?” Advocacy is influencing leaders toward the God-planned work of the nation-state for the good of believers everywhere. The consequences have a generational impact on the church and shine a light on the coming kingdom of God. That's why we advocate for the rights of persecuted believers.