Key Leaders to Gather at "The Bridge" Conference on Persecution

Contact: Marylin Guillen-Carrera, Marketing Specialist, International Christian Concern, 301-329-6965, marketing@persecution.org

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- The first annual "The Bridge" conference, a gathering of NGOs, government officials, church leaders, and others concerned about the intolerable persecution being perpetrated against Christians and other religious minorities, is set for July 7-9 in Washington DC and is free for attendees. This timely conference is primarily focused on the plight of Christians and the disappearing church in the Middle East. This movement of leaders will meet to discuss the situation on the ground for Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East, as well as possible policies to secure their future in the region.

The Bridge comes in the wake of CIA Director John Brennan's comments just last week that efforts against ISIS "have not reduced the group's terrorism capability and global reach," and the State Departments declaration of ISIS' actions against religious minorities as genocide.

Attendees will grow a deeper understanding of this designation and possible next steps toward ending this genocide. The conference will also provide attendees with an education of the situation for Christians in the Middle East, training breakout sessions, and the ability to network with other organizations and individuals who share concerns for Christians and other religious minorities in this region.

Those participating will hear from keynote speaker Eric Metaxas, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Senator Ted Cruz, the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, David Saperstein, Congressman Joe Pitts, retired 3-star general, William Boykin, Former US Department of State Coordinator for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications, Alberto Fernandez, and more.

Jeff King, ICC's president, stated of the event, "83% of Christians have left Iraq since 2003, indicative of the larger exodus of Christians from this region. This unprecedented movement will raise awareness and work to identify solutions for Christians to stay in this region, living peacefully with neighbors of other faiths. The persecution and violence that has been felt by Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East should trouble anyone who values freedom of belief and religious liberty. This conference is the perfect way to hear from victims of these acts regarding the situation on the ground. It also allows attendees to hear from experts on the region, leaders of NGOs that provide support and aide, victims, and government officials regarding policy proposals for addressing this religious persecution."

For more information regarding the conference, or to register to attend, please visit the conference website.

For interviews, please contact Marylin Guillen-Carrera, Marketing Specialist, at marketing@persecution.org

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.