Secretary of State John Kerry Thursday declared that the Islamic State's persecution of Christians was genocide — and the White House backed him up — but "we can't let them just do some big PR exercise to get us off their backs," author Johnnie Moore told
Newsmax TV.
"I actually think John Kerry exhibited some moral courage in this because he stood against advisers in order to make this decision," Moore told "Newsmax Prime" host J.D. Hayworth. "Now, there is a moral imperative to act."
Watch Newsmax TV on
DirecTV Ch. 349, Dish Ch. 223 and
Verizon FiOS Ch. 115. Get Newsmax TV on your cable system —
Click Here Now
The Obama administration said that it would support an investigation by the International Criminal Court into alleged genocide carried out by ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
"The United States will cooperate with independent efforts to investigate genocide," said spokesman Josh Earnest, adding that the administration was willing to support the court in gathering evidence.
Congress declared in December that the Islamic State group's slaughter of Christians, Yazidis and Shiites in the countries amounted to genocide and called on the White House to stop it.
Moore, who also is an educator and humanitarian, said the grass roots must ensure that the administration follows through.
"When the people raise their voice, change happens," he told Hayworth. "When we raise our voice, the will of the people has to be heard — and we made it impossible for John Kerry to make a different decision.
"Now is not the time to take the pressure off," he added. "We need to keep the pressure on and demand that specific action be taken in response to this genocide declaration."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.