EXCLUSIVE: Reports have long indicated that religious intolerance is increasing worldwide, driven by a rise in authoritarian regimes and the spread of Islamic extremism. A new report released Thursday suggests that Christianity, in particular, is suffering the most.
Jeff King, president of the International Christian Concern (ICC), a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit, stated, “The world is witnessing a growing push toward oppressive control over religion, especially Christianity, due to several converging modern and historical factors.” King emphasized that Christians endure oppression in more nations than any other religious group, facing significant challenges in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
According to the ICC’s report titled “The Global Persecution Index 2025,” released on Thursday, it identified nations that are the primary offenders of religious oppression, especially against Christians. The report notes that a majority of this persecution occurs under authoritarian leadership and from Islamic extremist factions.
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The highest concentration of “Red Zone” countries, characterized by severe actions against Christians—including torture and death—is found in the Sahel region of Africa, encompassing nations like Mali, Niger, and Chad. Other nations identified as particularly dangerous for Christians include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Korea.
There is a troubling trend of increasing authoritarian policies globally, especially as geopolitics grow more unstable, leading to tighter restrictions on religious practices.
Christians and Muslims, the two largest religious demographics worldwide, consistently face the highest rates of both physical and verbal harassment compared to other groups, according to a recent Pew Research Center (PRC) report that analyzed 2022 data, which King referenced as well.
While the ICC and PRC reports did not specify the exact number of Christians versus Muslims targeted for harassment, the PRC indicated that Christians are subjected to government or social group targeting in more countries than any other faith, with Muslims being the second most affected group and Jews third.
King explained that “in many authoritarian states, Christianity is perceived as a representation of Western influence and values, which these regimes often see as destabilizing or imperialistic.” He added, “Christianity and other faiths promote allegiance to a higher moral authority, inherently challenging authoritarian regimes that demand total loyalty to the state.”
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Although authoritarian attempts to dominate the beliefs of citizens through oppressive legislation are not new, the advent of emerging technologies has amplified the capacity for persecution against those seen as dissidents.
While social media has facilitated improved freedom of speech and access to information, the rise of other technologies has also enabled hyper-surveillance by authoritarian regimes—even in regions like Latin America, traditionally not viewed as religiously oppressive.
King noted, “Countries like Nicaragua and Venezuela, which have historically been Christian-majority nations, have seen a significant rise in hostility toward religious groups that criticize authoritarian rule.” He highlighted a concerning trend of targeting religious citizens and suppressing dissenting voices.
China has exported advanced surveillance technology to other authoritarian regimes, allowing for tighter control and monitoring of religious groups, King stated.
Some countries increasingly view Christianity as a threat to their cultural norms, notably India, which has experienced a troubling rise in attacks against Christians, as reported by both the ICC and PRC, along with a report to the United Nations General Assembly by the Human Rights Council in February.
King explained that “in countries like India and Pakistan, social media has been used to incite mob violence and spread disinformation about Christian communities, resulting in targeted assaults.”
The violence and oppression faced by religious groups globally are not isolated incidents but reflect a growing threat reminiscent of historical atrocities committed under similar oppressive regimes.
King pointed out, “Many nations are undergoing democratic backsliding, with authoritarian leaders consolidating power and silencing dissent, including religious voices.” He referenced the patterns observed in the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, stating, “Economic crises, political unrest, and social inequalities create conditions where leaders seek scapegoats, often targeting religious minorities to unify the majority under their governance.”
King concluded by emphasizing that “today’s regimes are utilizing this blueprint as they confront similar challenges to their authority. Religion, which inspires freedom, hope, and resistance, is viewed as a direct threat to their dominance.” He cautioned that “this trend is worsened by technological advancements, rising nationalism, and global instability, making the fight for religious freedom more urgent than ever.”
