Report finds worsening persecution of Christians across multiple regions

A new report says persecution of Christians is worsening in several regions, with attacks, displacement, abductions and pressure to convert. It matters because the cited research suggests Christians are targeted across more countries than any other religious group, while conditions have deteriorated in many countries examined.

Pew Research Center data says Christians faced harassment in 165 countries in 2023, and Aid to the Church in Need estimates about 220 million are directly exposed to persecution. Its report found conditions had worsened in 55 per cent of 18 countries assessed. In Nigeria, attacks in the Middle Belt have contributed to the displacement of more than 3.5 million people, including at least one million Christians; the article also describes the killing of more than 200 people in Yelewata in June 2025.