A recent report reveals that approximately one in eight Christians globally faces persecution due to their faith, a troubling statistic highlighting ongoing religious repression. According to the International Christian Concern’s (ICC) 2025 Global Persecution Index, an estimated 300 million Christians are subjected to various forms of persecution, including imprisonment, violence, and even death.
The report, which ranks 20 countries based on the severity of persecution, identifies regions where Christians experience severe oppression, such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. The countries listed as the most dangerous for Christians include Nigeria, Somalia, and North Korea, with ongoing conflicts in these areas driving systemic violence against Christian communities.
Notably, Nigeria has become the world’s deadliest country for Christians, with over 9,800 documented killings in a two-year period. The country also leads in abductions and attacks on Christian communities. This situation has worsened since the U.S. removed Nigeria from its list of Countries of Particular Concern, a designation that could have triggered sanctions aimed at curbing religious violence.
Meanwhile, nations like China, India, and Pakistan are also noted for their oppressive actions against Christians. In India, attacks on Christian properties are rampant, and in China, the government’s crackdown on religious freedoms has intensified, with thousands of arrests reported. In the Middle East, extremist groups such as ISIS and Boko Haram continue to target Christian populations, forcing many into displacement.
Despite these challenges, the ICC’s report offers a note of hope, recognizing that Christianity remains the fastest-growing religion in parts of Asia, such as Iran, where underground churches are thriving. This reflects a resilience among persecuted Christian communities, a testament to their enduring faith in the face of intense adversity.
The report underscores the need for greater global attention to the persecution of Christians, urging governments and advocacy groups to take more decisive action to protect religious freedoms and prevent further violence.
Excerpts from Ben Johnson Article – Report: 1 in 8 Christians Worldwide Is Persecuted ‘Because of Faith in Jesus’
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