An American pastor is being held with Islamic State fighters in Turkey on charges that he is a threat to their national security, and a Dunwoody church is joining the fight to free him.
Members of Dunwoody's Life Center ministries told Channel 2 Action News that Pastor Andrew Brunson is in grave danger.
"He is in a Turkish prison with ISIS fighters, Afghani rebels and others who have created problems for the Turkish government," said Catherine Sykes, the director of ministries at Life Center.
Globally, officials are working to get Brunson home in time for the holidays, Channel 2 reported. Brunson is from North Carolina.
A failed attempt from a coup to overthrow the Turkish government this summer has meant lasting issues for Americans abroad.
Sykes contacted the Department of State about Brunson, who was formally charged on Dec. 7 with being part of an armed terrorist group, according to Channel 2.
"The longer that this situation goes on,” Sykes said, “the more dire it becomes."
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