Sen. Hawley and Rep. Moore Lead Senate and House Action to Protect Persecuted Christians
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed the introduction of parallel Senate and House resolutions condemning Christian persecution, including Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Artsakh. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced S.Res.327 in the U.S. Senate, while Representative Riley Moore (R-WV) introduced a House companion resolution, H.Res.594, which currently has nine cosponsors.
“These bipartisan resolutions reflect and reinforce Congressional recognition of the existential threats facing Armenian Christians – particularly Azerbaijan’s 2020-23 ethnic cleansing of Artsakh – a crime armed and enabled by the United States,” stated Aram Hamparian, ANCA Executive Director. “We commend Senator Hawley, Representative Moore, and their Congressional colleagues for prioritizing the safety, dignity, and rights of Armenian and other at-risk Christian communities across the greater Middle East.”
The resolution text highlights specific cases of anti-Christian violence and discrimination across the region, including three countries where Armenian Christian populations continue to face systemic persecution: “In Azerbaijan, Armenian Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh face ethnic cleansing and cultural destruction.”
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In Turkey, the resolution notes that: “Christians have difficulty procuring adequate worship spaces; missionaries are forced out of the country on false charges of national security concerns; and foreign national clergy face barriers to remaining in country.” And in Syria, the resolution warns: “The Christian minority continues to be at risk of disappearing by attacks from militants and terrorists.”
S.Res.327 and H.Res.594 call on President Trump to prioritize the protection of persecuted Christians as part of the United States’ foreign policy agenda. The resolutions urge the administration to engage Muslim-majority nations diplomatically and utilize all available tools—including trade and national security negotiations—to advance religious freedom.
In addition to Rep. Moore, H.Res.594 has the following original cosponsors: Representatives Greg Steube (R-FL), Michael Guest (R-MS), Glen Grothman (R-WI), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Brandon Gill (R-TX), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Warren Davidson (R-OH).
According to the Open Doors World Watch List 2025, over 380 million Christians worldwide endure high levels of persecution and discrimination, with many concentrated in Muslim-majority countries. The report identifies religious repression ranging from violence and imprisonment to forced conversions and cultural erasure—including in Turkey, Syria, and Azerbaijan.
The ANCA continues to press for strong U.S. action to ensure accountability for Azerbaijan’s September 2023 assault on Artsakh, which forcibly displaced over 120,000 Armenians, and to protect the Armenian Christian heritage endangered under regimes hostile to religious freedom.
According to the Open Doors World Watch List 2025, over 380 million Christians worldwide endure high levels of persecution and discrimination, with many concentrated in Muslim-majority countries. The report identifies religious repression ranging from violence and imprisonment to forced conversions and cultural erasure—including in Turkey, Syria, and Azerbaijan.
The ANCA continues to press for strong U.S. action to ensure accountability for Azerbaijan’s September 2023 assault on Artsakh, which forcibly displaced over 120,000 Armenians, and to protect the Armenian Christian heritage endangered under regimes hostile to religious freedom.
Photo Caption: Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) introduced legislation condemning Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Artsakh’s Armenian Christians.
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