Christianity Faces Rising Global Persecution, New Report Reveals
A recent report has highlighted the growing global trend of religious intolerance, particularly focusing on the oppression faced by Christians. The report, titled The Global Persecution Index 2025, was released Thursday by the International Christian Concern (ICC), a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit. According to the ICC, Christianity is facing the most significant persecution globally, a trend fueled by increasing authoritarian rule and the continued rise of Islamic extremism.
Jeff King, president of the ICC, told Fox News Digital that the world is experiencing a push toward oppressive control over religion, with Christianity being disproportionately targeted. He pointed out that Christians are facing persecution in more countries than any other religious group, with major challenges in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The report provides a detailed look at nations that are leading in religious oppression, particularly toward Christian populations. The ICC identified several “Red Zone” countries—those with the most severe actions against Christians, including torture and executions. A concentration of these nations is found in the Sahel region of Africa, which includes countries like Mali, Niger, and Chad. Other nations with high levels of religious persecution include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Korea.
One of the key findings is the growing trend of authoritarian leadership worldwide, contributing to harsher policies that suppress religious freedom. As global geopolitics continue to shift, more countries are tightening control over religious practices.
According to a report from the Pew Research Center (PRC), released earlier this month, both Christians and Muslims—who represent the two largest religious groups globally—are subjected to the highest rates of harassment, including physical and verbal abuse. This data, gathered from 2022, was also referenced by King in his analysis of the report’s findings.
As the persecution of Christians intensifies, the international community faces a growing need to address religious intolerance and protect the freedoms of individuals worldwide.
