Christians Face Extinction in this Part of the World unless Congress Acts

A Christian organization is calling on lawmakers to do more to protect persecuted Christians in Iraq and Syria.

Knights of Colombus CEO Carl Anderson told lawmakers that Christians are specifically targeted with war crimes and genocide.

He testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations of the Committee on Foreign Affairs about the dwindling Christian population in Iraq and Syria.

He warned that the group could soon be wiped out if Congress does not help. 

"Many of the region's indigenous communities now face extinction. These communities may disappear in less than a decade. But their fate is not inevitable," Anderson warned lawmakers.

He urged Congress to pay for relief efforts, even if it means using emergency appropriations.  

"If assistance from outside Church affiliated agencies ends in Erbil (Iraq), Christians will face a catastrophic humanitarian tragedy within 30 days," said Anderson.