Christian Persecution is Exploding: New Report Reveals the World's Worst Hotspots
Billy Hallowell
08-09-2026
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A persecution watchdog is sounding the alarm about the worsening situation for Christians unfolding around the globe.
Shawn Wright, president of International Christian Concern (ICC), told CBN News that his organization’s 2026 Global Persecution Index exposes some truly diabolical situations in various nations.
But at the core of the shocking statistics and metrics is a sobering reality: people’s lives are being upended and even destroyed.
“Behind every statistic is a real person, a husband, a wife, pastor, or a child who has chosen faithfulness to Christ despite enormous persecution,” he said. “The index is not simply a report about persecution. It’s a call for the global church to stand with our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith, because behind every statistic is a real person — and they’ve chosen Jesus over safety.”
Wright said Christians shouldn’t be surprised by rising persecution, explaining that he believes the New Testament is very clear on the matter. Jesus himself warned believers that they, too, would face pushback for following Him. Regardless, he said Christians need to stand up and take action.
“Hebrews 13:3 is very clear that we are to remember those who are imprisoned for their faith just as if we’re chained with them,” he said.
As for the biggest surprises in the ICC’s 2026 Global Persecution Index, Wright said Nigeria is top of mind.
https://cbn.com/news/world/christian-persecution-exploding-new-report-reveals-worlds-worst-hotspots
