Global Christian Relief Releases First-Ever Red List Highlighting Persecution of Christians Worldwide
SANTA ANA, Calif. — Global Christian Relief (GCR),the watchdog group launched in 2023 following the reorganization of Open Doors USA,has unveiled its inaugural Red List,a groundbreaking report quantifying the persecution of Christians across the globe. Released on January 7, the 2025 GCR Red List identifies the top five countries where Christians face the most severe threats in five key categories: killings, building attacks, arrests, displacements, and abductions & assaults.
The report, which covers incidents from 2022 to 2024, is the first of its kind to provide a verifiable and quantifiable index of Christian persecution. Brian Orme, GCR’s acting chief executive, emphasized the importance of the list in guiding aid efforts. “Working closely with our partners on the ground in these high-risk areas, we provide emergency aid, safe houses, and trauma counseling to christians facing violent persecution,” Orme said. “Despite the intense challenges in places like Nigeria, China, and India, we continue to see remarkable resilience in these communities. Even in the darkest circumstances, the Church not only survives but grows stronger. Millions are choosing to follow Jesus despite knowing the risks they face.”
Key Findings from the GCR Red List
Table of Contents
The Red List highlights Nigeria as the deadliest country for Christians, with 9,814 verified deaths during the reporting period. Attacks by Boko haram, militant Fulani herdsmen, and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) were cited as primary drivers of this violence. Nigeria also led in abductions and assaults, with 9,311 incidents attributed to a “devastating industry that siphons wealth from Christian communities to perpetrators worldwide.”
India ranked highest in attacks on Christian property, with 4,949 incidents primarily targeting homes in Manipur state, as well as businesses and places of worship. China topped the list for arrests, with 1,559 Christians detained, mostly from unregistered churches. Azerbaijan recorded the highest number of displacements, with 120,001 Christians forced from their homes.
A Closer Look at the Data
the Red List draws its data from the Violent Incidents Database, launched in January 2024, and additional research from the International Institute for Religious Freedom. A team of experts, including scientists, researchers, and authors led by Ron Boyd-MacMillan, GCR’s chief of research and global strategy, compiled the report.
Below is a summary of the top five countries in each category:
| Category | Top Country | Incidents | Other Notable Countries |
|————————–|—————–|—————|——————————————————————————————–|
| Killings | Nigeria | 9,814 | DRC (390), Mozambique (262), Ethiopia (181), russia (164) |
| Abductions & Assaults | Nigeria | 9,311 | Mexico (138), Haiti (101), Cameroon (83), Ethiopia (78) |
| Attacks on Property | India | 4,949 | Mozambique (1,607), Myanmar (1,490), Ukraine (1,270), Ethiopia (488) |
| Arrests | China | 1,559 | Eritrea (475), Nicaragua (226), Russia (224), North Korea (208) |
| Displacements | Azerbaijan | 120,001 | india (60,000), Mozambique (16,000), DRC (15,703), Myanmar (1,500) |
Regional Insights
In addition to the top-ranking countries, the report sheds light on other regions experiencing significant persecution. such as, Russia ranked fifth in killings, with 164 deaths primarily in the Muslim-majority region of Dagestan, where militants have targeted religious and law enforcement sites. Mozambique, second in property attacks, recorded 1,607 incidents, while Myanmar followed closely with 1,490.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia also appeared multiple times across categories, underscoring the widespread challenges faced by Christians in these nations.
A Call to Action
The Red List is more than a report; it’s a call to action. GCR has made the full report and an accompanying prayer guide available on its website. The association encourages individuals and communities to engage with the data, pray for persecuted Christians, and support relief efforts.
“The Church not only survives but grows stronger,” Orme reiterated. “Millions are choosing to follow Jesus despite knowing the risks they face.”
For those looking to delve deeper into the data, the Violent Incidents Database is accessible online, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding the scope of global religious violence.
Conclusion
The 2025 GCR Red List is a stark reminder of the ongoing persecution faced by Christians worldwide. By quantifying these incidents, GCR aims to direct resources where they are most needed and raise awareness of the resilience of persecuted communities. As Orme noted, even in the face of unimaginable challenges, faith continues to thrive.
to explore the full report and learn how you can support persecuted Christians, visit the GCR Red List and the Violent Incidents Database. Together, we can make a difference.
Global Christian Relief’s Red List: A Deep Dive into Christian Persecution Worldwide
In January 2025,Global Christian Relief (GCR) released its inaugural Red List,a groundbreaking report that quantifies the persecution of Christians across the globe. The report identifies the top five countries where Christians face the most severe threats in five key categories: killings, building attacks, arrests, displacements, and abductions & assaults. To better understand the implications of this report, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert on religious persecution and human rights, to discuss the findings and their global significance.
Understanding the Red List: A new Tool for Measuring Persecution
Senior Editor: Dr.Carter, thank you for joining us today. The GCR Red List is being hailed as a first-of-its-kind report. Can you explain what makes it unique and why it’s so significant?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. The Red List is unique as it provides a verifiable and quantifiable index of Christian persecution. Unlike previous reports that relied on anecdotal evidence or estimates, this report uses data from the Violent Incidents Database, which tracks specific incidents of violence and oppression. This allows us to see not only where persecution is happening but also the scale and nature of the threats. It’s a crucial tool for directing aid efforts and raising awareness.
Key Findings: Nigeria, India, and China Top the List
Senior Editor: The report highlights Nigeria as the deadliest country for Christians, with over 9,800 verified deaths.What’s driving this violence?
Dr. Emily Carter: Nigeria’s situation is deeply troubling. The violence is primarily driven by groups like Boko Haram, militant Fulani herdsmen, and ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province). These groups target Christian communities, often with the aim of displacing them or forcing them to convert. The abductions and assaults, which also top the list in Nigeria, are part of a broader strategy to destabilize these communities and exploit them economically.
Senior Editor: India ranks highest in attacks on Christian property,with nearly 5,000 incidents. What’s behind this trend?
Dr.Emily Carter: In India, the attacks are often tied to rising Hindu nationalism. Christian homes, businesses, and places of worship are targeted, notably in states like Manipur. These attacks are part of a broader pattern of religious intolerance that’s been escalating in recent years. The government’s response has been inconsistent,which has emboldened perpetrators.
Senior editor: China leads in arrests, with over 1,500 Christians detained. What’s the situation like there?
Dr. Emily Carter: China’s crackdown on unregistered churches is well-documented. The government views these groups as a threat to its authority and has intensified its efforts to suppress them. many of those arrested are leaders or members of underground churches, and the conditions they face in detention are frequently enough harsh.
Regional Insights: Beyond the Top Five
Senior Editor: The report also sheds light on other regions, like Russia and Mozambique. What stands out to you in these areas?
Dr. Emily Carter: Russia’s inclusion is particularly striking. While it ranks fifth in killings, the violence is concentrated in regions like Dagestan, where militants target both religious and law enforcement sites. In Mozambique, the high number of property attacks reflects the ongoing conflict in the northern part of the country, where insurgents have targeted Christian communities.
A Call to Action: How can People Help?
Senior Editor: The report is more than just data—it’s a call to action. What can individuals and communities do to support persecuted Christians?
Dr. Emily Carter: First and foremost, awareness is key. Many people are unaware of the scale of persecution happening globally. GCR has made the full report and a prayer guide available on its website, which is a great starting point. Beyond that, supporting organizations that provide emergency aid, safe houses, and trauma counseling is crucial. Advocacy is also important—pushing governments and international bodies to take action can make a real difference.
conclusion: Faith in the Face of Persecution
senior Editor: The report emphasizes the resilience of persecuted christians. What’s your take on this?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s truly remarkable. Despite the immense challenges, these communities continue to grow and thrive. Their faith is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. As brian Orme of GCR noted, millions are choosing to follow Jesus even in the face of unimaginable risks.That’s a powerful reminder of the strength of faith and the importance of standing with those who are persecuted.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. For those interested in learning more, the full Red List and the Violent Incidents Database are available on GCR’s website.
To explore the full report and learn how you can support persecuted christians, visit the GCR Red List and the Violent Incidents Database.
