According to a report by Release International, the persecution of Christians is expected to increase in 2023. Paul Robinson, executive director of Release International, said that the next 12 months “will be crucial for most churches around the world.”
The Release International report highlights the plight of believers in Nigeria, India, and China. Nigeria is the most worrying, due to the increase in violence, extremists in the north and calls for the division of the country by regional ethnic groups in the south.
According to Release International, the number of Christians killed by Fulani extremists this year has exceeded 6,000. Attacks are also being carried out by terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Western Africa.
Christians in India are under attack by nationalists, and anti-conversion laws are being implemented in more and more states.
On Christmas, extremists have chanted “death to Jesus Christ” and burned effigy of Santa Claus; Santa Claus is being equated with Christianity in India.
Commenting on the report, Robinson said:
“The lessons of the early church and history teach us that persecution strengthens the Church.”