U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) is calling on the release of 11 pastors affiliated with Mountain Gateway, a non-profit organization operating in Nicaragua.

Mountain Gateway was founded by John Britton Hancock, from Pinson. The organization trains pastors and does relief work in Latin American countries.

Aderholt, 58 members of Congress, and four U.S. Senators signed a letter to the Ambassador of Nicaragua.

"As Members of the United States Congress, we have a vested interest in both the upholding of international religious freedom, and the safety and security of the American citizens we understand are currently being targeted for arrest and extradition by the Nicaraguan government," the letter states.

The pastors and two attorneys for  Mountain Gateway were arrested in December 2023 after a series of events that brought hundreds of thousands to hear the Word of God.

RELATED: U.S. Rep. takes fight for imprisoned Mountain Gateway pastors to House floor

"We are deeply concerned for the welfare of these Christian men and women of faith who have been arrested and imprisoned for no other offense than sharing the Gospel," Aderholt said. "This is part of a larger pattern of human rights and religious freedom violations in Nicaragua."

The Nicaraguan government worked with the non-profit for years with no problems. Officials have never offered paperwork showing the reason for the arrests, but Hancock said they were told they were arrested for money laundering and organized crime. Hancock said the arrests are part of a ploy by Nicaraguan leaders to muffle Christian voices.

"They've essentially shut down everybody that was there trying to help the country and kicked them out," Hancock previously told 1819 News. "You can see their history of religious persecution. Their history is very apparent and you know it. From being on the ground for 11 years now in Nicaragua, I can clearly say that the pervasive atmosphere and thoughts around everyone in Nicaragua is they have to be extremely careful about what they say and how they act in reference to how they are interacting with the government or people in law enforcement."

Hancock, his son and his daughter-in-law also have warrants for their arrests.

Those imprisoned have not been allowed to communicate with their families or attorneys. Among those in jail are a young mother of an American newborn and a toddler.

 "It was religious persecution that detained them, and it is blatant human rights violations that have kept them detained – these pastors must be released immediately," Aderholt continued.

"The persecution of Christians around the world is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," said U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile). "I am fighting for these Christians who have been wrongfully imprisoned for sharing the gospel to be freed. I have demanded Secretary Blinken engage in this matter. I have joined several of my colleagues in expressing our concern to the Nicaraguan Ambassador regarding these violations of religious freedom that must be addressed."

The call for the release of the prisoners is a bipartisan effort.

"As Americans, we must stand up for religious freedom around the world," said U.S. Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-Birmingham). "I am alarmed by the recent detainment of members of Mountain Gateway, who have not been provided legal counsel or documentation of their alleged charges. I am calling on the Nicaraguan government to immediately address these violations of fundamental human rights."

"It is extremely concerning to me to hear that individuals associated with Mountain Gateway are being persecuted by the Nicaraguan government for their religious beliefs," added U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville). "I proudly stand with the Alabama Delegation to advocate for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are doing missions in Nicaragua."

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) introduced a resolution Friday condemning the arrests of the pastors.

"The unjust imprisonment of these pastors, who have dedicated their lives to sharing the Gospel, has left families without income and children without parents," said Moore. "Their religious rights are being grossly violated. I am praying for these pastors and their families, and I call on the Nicaraguan government to take immediate action and release them so they can be reunited with their families."

Along with prayer, Hancock says Americans can share this story and reach out to their U.S. Representatives and Senators to ask for attention to the situation.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.

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