A new global report has documented a sharp rise in violence against Christians, recording nearly 2,000 killings and close to 3,000 cases of abduction or assault linked to religious persecution over the past two years.
The findings come from the 2026 Global Christian Relief Red List, released on 8 January. The study covers incidents between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2025 and is based on verified data collected by the Violent Incidents Database, a project of the International Institute for Religious Freedom.
According to the report, 1,972 Christians were killed in attacks connected to their faith during the period under review.
Three of the five most dangerous countries for Christians are in Africa. Nigeria was identified as the deadliest, with 590 documented killings, though researchers warn the real figure is likely much higher due to limited access to some regions and underreporting of religious motives.
Investigators who visited Nigeria described repeated and coordinated assaults on Christian communities, with churches and pastors deliberately targeted. They concluded the violence amounts to sustained persecution rather than isolated criminal activity.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo followed with 447 killings, while Ethiopia recorded 177. Russia ranked fourth with 167 deaths, and Mozambique fifth with 94. Mozambique also had the highest number of Christians forced to flee because of their faith, with more than 13,000 people displaced.
The report highlights growing non-lethal persecution in many countries. Rwanda recorded the highest number of incidents involving intimidation and restrictions on churches, including thousands of cases where congregations were prevented from meeting, often through government-ordered closures.
Other countries showing high levels of pressure on churches include Mozambique, Myanmar, Nicaragua, and Ukraine, where many church buildings have been destroyed during the ongoing war.
China recorded the highest number of arrests of Christians, with 709 verified cases, reflecting increasing state surveillance and control of religious life. Russia, Iran, Vietnam, and Nicaragua also reported large numbers of arrests.
Mexico led in abductions and assaults, with 376 incidents, mostly linked to organised crime. Drug cartels reportedly target Christian leaders and youth workers because their community work threatens criminal control.
The report notes a renewed focus on global Christian persecution by the United States. It highlights Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference last year, where he criticised restrictions on Christian expression in Europe. It also references the US government’s decision to reinstate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and subsequent military action against extremist groups there.
Brian Orme, President and CEO of Global Christian Relief, said persecution today often grows quietly through laws and policies that restrict religious freedom rather than only through open violence. He said the Red List exists to help churches and advocates understand where Christians are most vulnerable and why.
Adapted from The Christian Post.
