JD Vance supports documentary on Christian dissidents during Soviet terror

On March 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C., Vice President JD Vance attended the premiere of a documentary series about Christian dissidents in Soviet-era Russia. This event was hosted by The Heritage Foundation and centered around the series based on Rod Dreher's book 'Live Not By Lies', which emphasizes the tales of those who survived the persecution of Russian communism in the 20th century. Vance delivered remarks prior to the screening, discussing the importance of truth in inspiring the West and reinforcing religious freedom. He expressed long-standing support for the project's themes and connection to the author, Rod Dreher. The docuseries, produced by Angel Studios, aims to highlight the real-life experiences of individuals who faced severe oppression and persecution under the Soviet regime. R.J. Moeller, a producer on the series, explained that the goal is to inspire Western audiences, particularly Americans, to appreciate the value of truth in their lives. Following the viewing, there was a moderated discussion and Q&A featuring Dreher and series director Isaiah Smallman, which further explored the narratives depicted in the documentary. JD Vance, a practicing Catholic, has been an advocate for religious freedom, both domestically and internationally. His dedication to this cause was showcased in previous engagements, such as his keynote address at the International Religious Freedom Summit and his participation in the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast. Vance's appearance at the screening served to reinforce his commitment to these issues and to the subject matter of the docuseries, as he has maintained a friendship with Dreher over the years. The first episode of the series premiered on the same day as the event, reflecting a timely focus on the significance of historical truths and the ongoing struggle for religious liberty. Vance's advocacy for these ideals resonated throughout his remarks at the Heritage Foundation, drawing connections between historical struggles and contemporary issues faced by religious communities today. The screening of this docuseries emphasizes the importance of sharing stories from the past to encourage dialogue and understanding about religious persecution and the value of living truthfully in defense of one's beliefs.