On the initiative of the ECR Group, the European Parliament passed a resolution today acknowledging that Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world.

This action was prompted by the ongoing violence and the killing of Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Co-author of the document, ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki, said:

“This is the first EU in years that acknowledges the actual situation of Christians in this region.

“Globally, over 380 million Christians in 78 countries face severe persecution and discrimination because of their faith.”

“The EU, founded by Christians, must stand up for the most persecuted religion in the world today—a religion of freedom, respect, and dialogue.”

The resolution specifically condemns the violent actions committed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Eastern Congo, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and has been responsible for repeated atrocities in recent years.

Co-author ECR MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen stated:

“The conflict in Eastern Congo has many dimensions. But today, the European Parliament highlights that it also has a clear religious dimension.

“This resolution is an important step. Now, we must do everything in our power to stop the violence and provide assistance to those affected.”

According to the Congolese Catholic Church, the ADF was behind the killing of over 6,000 civilians in Beni between 2013 and 2021 and more than 2,000 in Bunia in 2020 alone. In 2024, dozens of Christians were reportedly murdered for refusing to convert, churches were bombed, and civilians abducted or executed, in February 2025 the Group committed a massacre of 70 Christians.

The text also condemns the occupation of Goma and other areas by the M23 rebels and Rwandan forces as a violation of Congolese sovereignty.