Persecution watchdog and aid organisation International Christian Concern (ICC), recently, released its annual “Hall of Shame” report for 2016, highlighting the world’s 12 countries that are the worst persecutors of Christians.
ICC’s 15-page report also highlights conditions for Christians in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, North Korea, Egypt, and Pakistan, among others.
As published by Religion News Service, the report divides countries into three categories – “Worst of the Worst,” “Core Countries” and “New and Noteworthy,” which includes the United States as well as Russia and Mexico.
ICC recorded over 272 attacks on Christians and their places of worship in India in the first nine months of 2016, marking a “dramatic escalation” over 2015.
“The amount of violence, imprisonment and discrimination against Christians being reported to us by our networks around the world is simply catastrophic. The report calls out and shames governments who allow rampant attacks on believers to take place or are directly involved in prosecuting Christians for their faith.
“It also warns of countries where religious freedom is deteriorating rapidly and serves as a wake-up call for churches around the world, regardless of denomination, to come to the aid of our brothers and sisters who suffer so much for the cause of Christ,” Jeff King, ICC President stated.