U.S. Senator Katie Britt Celebrates Release of Christians Wrongfully Persecuted by Nicaraguan Regime

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 5, 2024 – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) celebrated the release of 13 Christians affiliated with Mountain Gateway who were wrongfully persecuted and imprisoned in Nicaragua for their religious beliefs. The 13 Christians are among 135 political prisoners released by the Nicaraguan government today. The U.S. government, in coordination with the government of Guatemala and the international community, has facilitated their transportation to Guatemala.

Mountain Gateway is an American non-profit, faith-based organization that was founded by an Alabamian and is based in Texas. Mountain Gateway recruits, trains, commissions, and sends out ordained Christian ministers to spread the Gospel. In Nicaragua, the organization has advanced God’s Kingdom through discipleship, feeding and clothing those in need, providing assistance during natural disasters, and sharing the gospel.

“Religious freedom is an inalienable, God-given human right that must be protected at every turn,” said Senator Britt. “I am tremendously grateful these Christian leaders are free, but they never should have been imprisoned in the first place. Let’s be very clear – these Christians were in prison because of their faith. Those who dedicate their lives to preaching the Gospel and advancing God’s Kingdom should be celebrated, not persecuted.”

“Today’s news is an answered prayer. I appreciate the State Department’s work to free these political prisoners and facilitate their safe passage out of Nicaragua,” concluded the Senator. “I will continue to be an unwavering champion of religious liberty in the United States Senate.”

This comes after Senator Britt urged the Biden Administration to use every sanction enforcement authority and diplomatic leverage available to ensure these Christians were released. She sent a letter with Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in March regarding the unlawful arrest of the pastors and attorneys associated with Mountain Gateway. Senator Britt, with the entire Alabama Delegation, also wrote Francisco Obadiah Campbell Hooker, the Ambassador of Nicaragua to the United States, over the wrongful arrests and violation of religious freedom in Nicaragua.

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