International Christian Concern Publishes 2025 Global Persecution Index, “Imprisonment, Torture, Assassination”

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The International Christian Concern persecution watchdog has released its Global Persecution Index annual report for 2025. Available for download on the ICC website, the Index provides an analysis of the causes of persecution in 20 countries, as well as testimonies of believers’ courage and resilience in the face of extreme hostility to Christianity.

The 2025 Global Persecution Index includes reporting on “the dramatic rise of authoritarianism, mass displacement” as well as “religious nationalism, transnational repression, and the increasing use of technology to surveil and oppress believers.”

Reviewing global persecution in 2024, ICC reports that hostility against Christians in Nicaragua “has worsened dramatically,” particularly from the government. Concerning the rise of persecution In India, ICC explains: “Hindu nationalism has intensified, stripping away the rights of Christians and religious minorities through anti-conversion laws and mob violence.”

Moreover, ICC states: “Across Africa, regions like the Sahel, Nigeria, and DRC face brutal violence against Christians, including weekly attacks and displacement.”

“ICC examined every corner of the world to identify the worst of the worst areas of persecution,” ICC President Jeff King said in a statement. “Approximately 300 million Christians worldwide face persecution of all types, including imprisonment, torture, and assassination.”

However, notably, the Index also reports on the growth and resilience of the church in countries where Christians face persecution. “Iran has one of the fastest-growing Christian populations in the world, with believers standing firm despite relentless government pressure,” ICC highlights as an example. “The church is also growing in Indonesia, showing resilience in the face of increasing restrictions,” ICC added.

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