Religious intolerance is on the rise globally, with Christianity facing the most severe persecution according to a report by the International Christian Concern (ICC). The report, titled “The Global Persecution Index 2025,” highlights authoritarian leaders and Islamic extremist groups as the main perpetrators of religious oppression against Christians. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia were identified as particularly dangerous for Christian populations, with the Sahel region being a hot spot for persecution.
Authoritarian policies are on the rise worldwide, leading to increased clampdowns on religion. Christians and Muslims are the most targeted religious groups, facing physical and verbal harassment in numerous countries. Christianity is often viewed as a threat to authoritarian regimes due to its emphasis on allegiance to a higher moral authority, challenging the complete loyalty demanded by such regimes. This trend is seen as a proxy for Western influence, which many regimes reject as destabilizing.
Advancements in technology have enabled oppressive regimes to further persecute religious dissidents, with social media used as a tool for inciting violence and spreading disinformation. Even regions traditionally seen as less oppressive, like Latin America, have experienced an increase in hostility towards religious groups critical of authoritarian governments. China’s export of surveillance technology to other authoritarian regimes has facilitated tighter control over religious communities.
Some nations, like India and Pakistan, view Christianity as a threat to their cultural norms, leading to an increase in attacks against Christians. The targeting of religious minorities is often used by authoritarian leaders as a means to consolidate power and silence dissent. Historical atrocities carried out under oppressive policies are echoed in the current climate of religious persecution, with leaders seeking scapegoats or distractions to maintain their dominance.
Jeff King, president of the ICC, warns that the fight for religious freedom is more urgent than ever, as authoritarian regimes draw from historical playbooks of silencing religious minorities to maintain power. The combination of technological advancements, rising nationalism, and global instability has exacerbated the trend of religious oppression. The need to address religious intolerance and protect religious freedoms is paramount to ensure a more peaceful and tolerant world for all faith communities.
