Open Doors US Statement on Nomination of Mark Walker as US Ambassador for International Religious Freedom

ORANGE, Calif., April 17, 2025 — As a ministry focused on serving individuals around the world who face persecution for their decision to follow Christ, Open Doors US has been anticipating the appointment of a new Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom – someone who will represent the U.S. in speaking out against religious persecution to governments around the world.

Upon President Trump’s nomination of former congressional leader and pastor Mark Walker  to fill that role, Open Doors US CEO Ryan Brown released the following statement:

“We are grateful that this Administration has turned its attention to this vital position rooted in America’s commitment to religious liberty, as we believe it sends an important message to governments around the world that we take the issue of religious persecution very seriously.

“Recognizing that Representative Walker served as a pastor before entering public service, we expect he shares our concern for persecuted Christians, especially those who face violence and other extreme levels of persecution in places such as North Korea, China, Myanmar, Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. With more than 380 million Christians around the globe facing persecution and discrimination because of their faith, we look forward to his confirmation and would be honored to work with him in bringing greater attention to this issue.”

Open Doors US and its international affiliates produce the World Watch List, an annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

ABOUT OPEN DOORS

Open Doors works in the world's most oppressive regions, strengthening Christians to stand strong in the face of persecution and equipping them to share the gospel in their communities. Since Brother Andrew started the work of Open Doors in 1955, the ministry has mobilized prayer, support and advocacy for Christians living in places where faith in Jesus can be costly. Now working in more than 70 countries around the world, Open Doors is committed to standing with persecuted Christians through Bible distribution, training and socio-economic aid. Learn more at https://opendoorsus.org/.

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