October 2018 Persecution Magazine

Above: Congressman Ross in his office during the interview with Jeff King.
we’ve somewhat covered up over the last
couple of years because it hasn’t been cool to
be Christian.
Jeff King: Can you share a little more
about what Congress can do to help the
persecuted in India?
Congressman Ross: Well, we have to hold
their feet to the fire. When Modi was here in
2016, he emphasized their relationship with
the United States and his desire to be a strong
partner, but if that is going to happen, they
have to deal with religious persecution.
We absolutely expect to get a response
to our correspondence with some concrete
evidence that they’re taking steps to curtail
religious persecution. We’re asking
President Trump, who has met with Modi,
to make sure that there is some sense of
accountability on their part, showing concrete
steps that they are not going to stand
for religious intolerance.
Jeff King: Tell us about how, over the
course of your career, you have seen religious
freedom develop as an issue on
Capitol Hill.
Congressman Ross: I was raised Catholic, married
a Baptist, and then became a Presbyterian.
We weren’t exposed to religious persecution.
PERSECU ION.org
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
In my time, it was always the Catholics versus
the Protestants in Northern Ireland. It’s not
until you hear the stories of those who escaped
persecution does it [make you wake up and see]
this is real, this is happening.
Having traveled on some CODELS
(Congressional Delegations) and spoken to
persecution victims and survivors, we realize
[a deeper] reason why we serve in Congress.
Yes, we need to make sure people get their
Medicare, Social Security, and veteran’s benefits,
but when you look at the issue of persecution
on a global scale and the impact you can
have in that regard, it gives you a sense of fulfilment
that validates the reason why you are here.
I think you’ll find that more members of
Congress, once they’re exposed, will be more
motivated to make a difference. It goes back
to how we, as a government, can do more on
this issue. One way is by imposing standards
by which we are going to measure countries in
doing business.
Jeff King: You mentioned that you were
not exposed to the issues of persecution
as a child, and that is completely normal
in America. Most of the Church is asleep
on the subject. I would like to ask you to
speak to the Church about this; what would
you say?
Congressman Ross: There is no greater obligation
on this earth than to preserve the sanctity
of life at every level, whether in the womb,
on the earth, in America, or anywhere.
I think that is one of the foremost reasons
that we as Christians have the obligation to go
forward and do all we can to stop persecution.
Remember, we will have to give [an] account
of what we did with the opportunity that was
given to us.
That’s why I say when we, as congressmen,
are confronted with situations where we see
injustice and persecution, we understand that
there is something we can do about it. Taking
action is not only fulfilling, but an obligation
for us as Christians.
So each of us at every level has that obligation
to preserve and promote the sanctity
of life. [This obligation] means vehemently
opposing the persecution [of] anyone, regardless
of their religious belief, even if that belief
is contrary to our own.
Congressman Ross is retiring from public service
at the end of this term and will pursue
opportunities to equip young people to become
effective leaders. International Christian
Concern applauds Congressman Ross and his
staff for their dedication to fighting for religious
freedom in India and around the world.
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