Alarming rise in Christian Persecution over the last two years, reports ‘Aid to the Church in Need’

Christian persecution has seen a troubling increase over the past two years, according to a report conducted in 18 countries by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need.

The report, covering the years 2022 to 2024, was presented to the British Parliament on October 22 and highlights a particularly severe rise in persecution of Christians across the African continent.

A significant portion of the report includes detailed testimonies from witnesses and victims of these persecutions.

Unprecedented Increase

Based on analysed data, the report describes an unprecedented rise in religious violence against Christians, calling it “higher than ever before.” The Aid to the Church in Need Foundation noted that similar findings have been reflected in studies by other institutions as well.

The report not only documents the escalation of persecution but also its diversification. Among the persecution methods listed are arrests for blasphemy against other religions, forced displacement, deportation, property seizure, forced conversions and marriages, intimidation, and kidnappings.

Actions against Christians are being carried out and supported by both state actors and independent groups, including terrorist organizations, extremist factions, and organized crime networks.

Additionally, the report addresses the hostile stance toward Christians in authoritarian countries such as China, Eritrea, India, and Iran, driven by nationalist or ideological motivations.

Alongside statistical data, the report raises questions about the migration of Christians from persecution-prone areas. With rising persecution in African nations, the Christian population in Syria, for instance, has plummeted from approximately 1.5 million in 2011 to around 250,000 today, while in Iraq, Christians now constitute less than 0.5% of the population.

In Burkina Faso, one in ten residents has been forced to relocate due to religious persecution.

Vietnam was the only country in the report to show a slight improvement, primarily due to “steps taken to restore diplomatic relations” with the Vatican.

Source: basilica.ro