Christian Persecution - Global Christian Relief

Understanding the Global Crisis

Christian Persecution

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WHAT CHRISTIANS FACE RIGHT NOW Defining Christian Persecution

The Hidden Human Rights Crisis of Our Day


Christian persecution is hostility or harm directed at people because they follow Jesus. It can look like social pressure and discrimination, and in severe cases imprisonment, displacement, and deadly attacks. These pressures are driven by hostile ideologies and systems that aim to silence the Church. Yet believers endure with courageous faith, sharing Christ and serving their neighbors under threat. We invite you to stand with them through prayer and support.
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The Faces of Persecution

What Christians Face Daily Around the World

Liatu, Nigeria

Liatu, Nigeria

When Boko Haram stormed into Liatu’s village firing machine guns, she was just 8 years old. As bullets flew terrifyingly close, she fled barefoot with her fellow Sunday school students into the wilderness. “We started running without our shoes,” Liatu said, ‘all we could hear were the machine guns.’”

Bible Smuggler, Middle East

Bible Smuggler, Middle East

“Islamic leaders, like the Mullahs, wanted to kill my wife and children. We had a local house in the neighborhood close to here, and they kicked us out because we are believers. Even now, if some people know you are a believer, or you came to Christ, they wouldn’t give you a job, even to your children."

Antonio, Mexico

Antonio, Mexico

"In some villages, when people become Christians, they cut off their water, their electricity. They face prison, death threats.”

Rev. Minho Sing, North Korea

Rev. Minho Sing, North Korea

“Practically, if you're a Christian in North Korea, then your life will be threatened all the time.”

Arjun, Nepal

Arjun, Nepal

“My parents, specifically my mother, found out that I became a Christian. She cried. She said, ‘You are no more my son, because you are believing in a foreign religion. You are a Christian now.’”

The Global Epicenters of Persecution World's Most Dangerous Places for Christians

Across the globe, followers of Jesus face real and relentless opposition. For many, persecution isn’t a distant threat—it’s woven into daily life, shaping where they can go, how they worship, and even if they survive.

Southeast Asia

Religious nationalism, led by extremist movements, is suffocating Christian communities—fueling hate, discrimination, and violence across countries like India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.

Middle East & North Africa

Jihadist violence, civil war, and authoritarian regimes have forced millions of Christians from their homes, turning mass displacement into a daily reality for believers.

Latin America

Pastors and Christians who stand against organized crime and corruption are increasingly targeted by gangs and even government officials, facing threats, violence, and intimidation.

Central & East Asia

Authoritarian regimes enforce perpetual surveillance, ideological manipulation, and imprisonment, making daily life for Christians in places like China and North Korea one of constant risk.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Extremist violence and instability leave believers in countries like Nigeria and Somalia vulnerable to brutal attacks, abductions, and relentless threats from groups like Boko Haram and Al Qaeda.

2025 Red List The 25 Worst Countries for Christian Persecution

The Global Christian Relief “Red List” is a crucial new annual report spotlighting the 25 worst countries for Christian persecution across five categories of concern, including killings, building attacks, arrests, displacements, and abductions & assaults.

Read the full Red List report & prayer guide now. Access eye-catching infographics, the latest statistics, insightful written analysis, incredible photos and stories, plus prayers, advocacy opportunities and more.

Get the Red List
5,612
Deaths of Nigerian Christians at the hands of Extremist Groups
4,949
Attacks on Christian Property in India
1,559
Chinese Christians arrested and sentenced in the last two years
120,001
number of Armenians forced from their home region of Nagorno-Karabakh
1,300
The number of abductions in Nigeria

How GCR Responds We Stand with Our Persecuted Family Worldwide

Meet Critical Needs in Hostile Places

GCR meets critical needs of the persecuted church with emergency aid, safe housing, legal support, Bibles, and training—strengthening the Body of Christ where it suffers most.  

Awaken the U.S. Church to Persecution

We share real stories of persecution to inspire American Christians to pray, act, and stand with the global Church.

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How You Can Support the Persecuted Church

Pray

Pray

Lift up persecuted believers around the world through faithful, intentional prayer. Your intercession brings comfort, hope, and strength in the darkest places.

Advocate

Advocate

Help awaken others in your church and community to the needs of the persecuted church

Give

Give

Your gift provides food, shelter, Bibles, and security to those suffering for their faith. Every dollar makes a tangible difference.

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