The 2025 Global Persecution Index, released by International Christian Concern (ICC), paints a grim picture of the threats faced by Christians around the world. The detailed 116-page report outlines persecution ranging from harassment and violence to imprisonment and death, offering a country-by-country analysis of regimes and terror groups responsible for the attacks.
North Korea continues to be the most perilous country for Christians, with ICC President Jeff King describing it as "a giant prison state" where Christianity is viewed as an existential threat to the regime. “If you're a Christian, they’ll kill you slowly, take your children and parents, and you're all going to die,” King stated, emphasizing the unspeakable brutality Christians face. Estimates suggest that around one million Christians have been killed under the North Korean regime.
Nigeria remains another hotspot for Christian persecution, with over 100,000 Christians killed and 3.5 million displaced in the past two decades. King describes the crisis as a "stealth jihad" and a "slow genocide" driven by radical Islamic groups, including Boko Haram and Fulani extremists. The violence, which includes massacres, kidnappings, and church bombings, has led to widespread fear and displacement among Christian communities.
The report also highlights the alarming spread of radical Islamist groups across Africa, where Christians face displacement, sexual violence, beheadings, and brutal killings. Countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Mozambique are witnessing an upsurge in violence, as extremist ideologies continue to gain traction.
In Pakistan, Christians face significant persecution, including false blasphemy accusations, mob violence, and systemic discrimination. The report documents incidents such as the August 2024 mob attack in Jaranwala, which resulted in the destruction of approximately 30 homes, nearly 200 churches, and numerous businesses, leaving many Christian families displaced. It also highlights the psychological toll of living under constant threat of blasphemy accusations, which can lead to imprisonment, torture, or even death. Approximately 1,000 Christian and Hindu girls are kidnapped annually in Pakistan, subjected to rape, forced conversion, and forced marriages by Muslim men, underscoring the severe challenges faced by religious minorities in the country.
The ICC report also spotlights Russia's destruction of hundreds of religious heritage sites in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. In Nicaragua, President Daniel Ortega's regime has targeted Catholic communities and, more recently, evangelical Christians. The regime has reportedly imprisoned church leaders, shut down religious institutions, and attacked worshippers, intensifying the climate of fear among Christian communities.
Despite the widespread persecution, the report reveals that adversity often leads to resilience and growth among Christian communities. In Iran, decades of repression have led to a dramatic rise in Christianity, with underground churches growing at an unprecedented rate. "It's probably the fastest-growing church in the world," King remarked, emphasizing the power of faith in the face of adversity.
The 2025 Global Persecution Index serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by millions of Christians worldwide. ICC President Jeff King urged the global community to recognize the scale of religious persecution and take action. “While the suffering is immense, history shows that faith endures and grows even in the darkest times. God wins in the end," he said.
The report underscores the urgent need for international efforts to protect religious freedom and hold perpetrators accountable, as millions continue to face violence, discrimination, and repression for their faith.
