EXCLUSIVE: Global reports highlight a surge in religious persecution, with Christianity facing the most significant impact amid rising authoritarianism and Islamic extremism.
Jeff King, president of the International Christian Concern (ICC), states that the increasing oppression of Christianity stems from a convergence of modern and historical factors. Christians experience persecution in more countries than any other faith group, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The ICC’s “Global Persecution Index 2025” identifies nations with the most severe persecution of Christians, many located in the Sahel region (Mali, Niger, Chad), along with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Korea.
Globally, authoritarian policies are intensifying, leading to increased religious suppression. Christians and Muslims, the world’s largest religious groups, experience the highest rates of harassment.
Although precise figures comparing the targeting of Christians versus Muslims aren’t available, the ICC report shows Christians are targeted in more countries than any other faith by governments or social groups, with Muslims second.
King explains that in many authoritarian states, Christianity is viewed as a proxy for Western influence, which regimes often oppose. The inherent challenge to state authority posed by faiths emphasizing higher moral authority fuels the persecution.
While authoritarian control is not new, advanced technology has amplified the ability to persecute perceived dissidents. Social media, while promoting free speech, has also enabled increased surveillance, even in regions not historically known for religious oppression, such as Latin America.
King notes increased hostility towards religious groups critical of authoritarian regimes in countries like Nicaragua and Venezuela. This suppression of dissent represents a worrying trend, with nations providing technology to enable tighter control of religious groups.
In nations like India, Christianity is increasingly viewed as a threat to cultural norms, leading to a surge in attacks, as evidenced by reports from the ICC, PRC, and the Human Rights Council. Social media has been used to incite violence and spread disinformation against Christian communities.
The global persecution of religious groups reflects a growing threat, reminiscent of historical atrocities under oppressive regimes. King draws parallels to the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, noting that democratic backsliding, economic crises, and social inequalities often lead to the targeting of religious minorities to consolidate power.
Modern regimes utilize similar tactics, viewing religion’s capacity for inspiring freedom and resistance as a threat to their authority. This trend is worsened by technological advancements, rising nationalism, and global instability, making the fight for religious freedom increasingly critical.