U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) spearheaded a letter to Nicaragua's ambassador expressing deep concern for Nicaragua. violation of religious freedom Called for the release of a pastor imprisoned in Nicaragua.

In December, 11 Nicaraguan pastors and other individuals associated with Mountain Gateway, a Texas-based Christian organization with missionary work in North and Central America, also contacted lawyers. They were arrested and imprisoned by the Nicaraguan government without any knowledge or understanding of the allegations against them. No criminal charges have been filed, according to Aderholt's office.

Mr. Aderholt The letter was signed by 58 MPs. — Includes the entire Alabama delegation to Washington — Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Sen. Katie Britt, Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia), and Jerry Carl. Sen. (R-Mobile) and Reps. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and Terry Sewell (D-Birmingham).

“As members of the United States Congress, we have a vested interest in both the preservation of international religious freedom and the safety and security of American citizens who we understand are currently subject to arrest and extradition by the Nicaraguan government. have,” the letter states. To read.

Those arrested and imprisoned included a young mother with a newborn and a toddler, both American nationals. She has not been allowed any contact with her children since December.

Following the Nicaraguan national's arrest, the Ortega administration issued arrest warrants for Mountain Gateway's American leadership, John Britton Hancock, and his son and daughter-in-law Jacob and Cassandra Hancock.

This targeted action follows a pattern by the Nicaraguan government that includes arrests of several members of the Catholic Church, Red Cross, and other nongovernmental organizations in recent years.

“Today, along with 53 members of Congress and four senators, I sent a letter to the Nicaraguan ambassador expressing deep concern about the violations of religious freedom in Nicaragua and demanding answers,” said Congressman Aderholt.

“We are deeply concerned about the well-being of Christian men and women of the faith who have been arrested and imprisoned for crimes other than sharing the Gospel. It’s part of the pattern.”

“Their detention was a case of religious persecution, and their continued detention is a blatant violation of human rights. These pastors must be released immediately.”

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong also signed the letter and called on more than 50 other members of Congress to do so in a social media post on Friday.

It is very disturbing to me that the people associated with Mountain Gateway are being persecuted by the Nicaraguan government for their religious beliefs. I proudly join the AL delegation in defending our brothers and sisters in Christ in ministry in Nicaragua.

— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) February 16, 2024

“I have called on Secretary Blinken to address this issue,” said U.S. Representative Jerry Carl.

“I am fighting for the release of Christians who have been unjustly imprisoned for sharing the gospel. I have called on Secretary Blinken to address this issue. We expressed our concerns to the Nicaraguan ambassador regarding the violation of religious freedom,” Karl said.

“Persecution of Christians around the world is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270