National Day of Prayer

IRD Prays for Persecuted North Koreans on National Day of Prayer

on May 3, 2018

Institute on Religion & Democracy Press Release
May 3, 2018
Contact: Chelsen Vicari, Cell: 540-239-2170, E-mail: cvicari@TheIRD.org

Washington, DC—On the 30th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer, the Institute on Religion & Democracy (IRD) reflects on suffering North Koreans, whose plight is sometimes overlooked during the current focus on talks with their repressive regime. As faithful Americans unify in public prayer for the nation, IRD urges Christians and church groups also to pray and petition on behalf of oppressed North Koreans living under the world’s most murderous regime. Its tyranny includes concentration camps and death for thousands of Christians.

The National Day of Prayer’s origin dates back to a 1952 joint resolution authorized by Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988 the law was amended to designate the first Thursday of May as the official day of observance.

The 2018 theme for the National Day of Prayer is “Pray for America—Unity” which recalls Ephesians 4:3, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

IRD President Mark Tooley commented:

“Monstrous tyrants must sometimes be engaged in pursuit of a wider justice in a complex, fallen world. But all who esteem humanity as image bearers of God must admit to this necessity’s regrettable tragedy. God may in such situations weep and ordain at the same time.

“We pray for successful negotiations for denuclearization and peace in Korea. But we must not neglect millions who suffer under North Korea’s torments, including its persecuted Christians. They need our prayers.”

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