In Defense of Christians (IDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to heighten awareness among policymakers and the general public of the existence of ancient and often persecuted minority communities in the Middle East, particularly Christians. IDC will also conduct policy advocacy for vulnerable Christians and other religious minorities. Through greater awareness and advocacy, IDC hopes to influence the U.S. and foreign governments to adopt policies that will safeguard and empower minority religious communities in the Middle East, especially those vulnerable to violence, marginalization, and persecution. IDC was formed in response to Archbishop Francis Chullikatt’s exhortation in his keynote address at the 2012 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, in which he called upon all Americans to take concrete action to help those suffering persecution in the Middle East – a call that was echoed by Pope Benedict months later on his historic trip to Lebanon. IDC utilizes print, television, and online media, radio, video, and various public outreach programs to raise awareness among the general public of the existence of these communities, the dangers they face, and the need to press public servants into action on their behalf.
