Even as roughly 380 million believers face persecution every year, Christianity continues to grow — even in the most hostile nations where faithfulness commonly means imprisonment, torture or death, according to a new report.
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International Christian Concern’s recently released 2026 Global Persecution Index began with an urgent call: “Our brothers and sisters in Christ are beaten, imprisoned and even killed for their faith. In many countries, it is illegal for them to share the gospel. We must stand with them.” Each new page of the report paints a sobering yet hopeful picture of global religious freedom facing rapidly growing persecution.
Among the most alarming trends:
— Growing “religious nationalism” that snuffs out religious freedom.
— “Transnational repression,” where governments hunt religious minorities and dissidents beyond their borders.
— Tightening state control over religious organizations.
— Rising terrorism and authoritarianism fueling violence and oppression.
— Foreign regimes leveraging Western technology to supercharge persecution.
Despite relentless repression, according to the report, Christianity remains and is even expanding in surprising places like Iran and Asia. Believers are refusing to stay silent.
Full report.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Sarah Holliday and originally published by Decision Magazine. Used with permission.
