413 million Christians live in nations “where serious violations of religious freedom occur,” and “about 220 million Christians worldwide are directly exposed to persecution,” according to a new report from Aid to the Church in Need.
The report examines oppression under authoritarian regimes, violence committed by Islamist terrorist groups, and the displacement of millions of Christians from their homes.
“What is shocking is just how mainstream—dare I say tolerated—the persecution of Christians is as simply part of the global reality,” said Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn. “Awareness of so much persecution moves us to a greater solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are suffering. As Christians, we pray and cry out for respect for religious freedom of all people in every land.”