Rescued schoolchildren from St. Mary's School sit at the Niger State Government House after being freed from captivity following their abduction by gunmen, in Minna, Nigeria, December 8, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye

Ishtartv.com - nashvillecatholic.org

Steven Boero // July 17, 2026

Christians throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Central America have seen a rise in persecution for their witness to Christ, according to the International Christian Concern's (ICC) 2026 Global Persecution Index.

More than 388 million Christians worldwide live under high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith, resulting in the killing of thousands of believers. This year’s Index highlighted countries where persecution is worsening, particularly in Nigeria, Nicaragua, Syria, India, and more. 

“This year’s Global Persecution Index is a sobering reminder that millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to pay a high price for their faith,” ICC President Shawn Wright said in a press release. “Behind every statistic is a real person: someone who has chosen faithfulness to Jesus over safety, comfort, or even life itself. Our hope is that this report not only informs decision-makers and stakeholders, but moves readers to act with urgency, conviction, and compassion.”

The Index provided global trends that are effecting religious freedoms including religious nationalism, terrorism, state control of religious organizations, restrictions on women, and more. 

“Across the globe, religious freedom is facing mounting pressure from a convergence of forces,” according to the index. “Governments are increasingly tightening their grip on religious expression — both within their borders and beyond — while transnational repression, displacement, and systemic discrimination continue to impact vulnerable communities, especially women.”

The 2026 Index additionally noted leaders of countries where persecution is worsening. These leaders include Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Because of the state-sponsored persecutions and regional unrest in these countries, the ICC offered recommendations to individuals, faith communities, and government officials on how to respond. These include independent investigations by international organizations, expedited asylum pathways for clergy and religious, and laws specifically protecting religious groups. 

In late June, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Bishop of the Diocese of Ekwulobia, Nigeria, visited the Diocese of Nashville, celebrating the All-African Mass at Holy Name Church in East Nashville on Sunday, June 21. In an interview with Nashville Catholic, Cardinal Okpaleke spoke about the importance of dialogue among all people and the need for prayer for those persecuted for their faith. 

“Christians in Iran are suffering, Muslims in Iran are suffering, Christians in Ukraine, as well as Muslims in the Middle East, Jews, Arabs, people are suffering, but particularly in Nigeria,” said Cardinal Okpaleke. “The way people can help is first through prayers, second through good work, dialogue, and relationship. That’s the message we preach.”