Release International predicts rise in Christian persecution in 2017

Release International, an organization serving the persecuted church around the world, has warned that there will be a dramatic increase in the violent persecution of Christians all across the globe in 2017.

In its annual Persecution Trends report, the group noted that persecution will most likely rise in Islamic countries, where Christians face threats from both the state and Islamic militants. Other areas of concern include China, India, Pakistan and Nigeria.

"Around the world Christians face an increasing array of violent persecutors. These include the brutal Islamic State in the Middle East, heavily armed militants in Nigeria and Hindu extremists in India," said Release Chief Executive Paul Robinson.

"Our report on the likely trends of persecution in 2017 is a wake-up call to take our prayers and practical support for our persecuted family to a new level," he continued.

In the Middle East, ISIS has continued to target Christian communities despite losing ground in Iraq and Syria in 2016. Many Christians have fled their homes to escape the conflict zones, and some church leaders are worried about a wholesale exodus of Christians from the region.

The group also warned that the crackdown on underground churches in Iran will most likely continue. A Release partner noted that house churches are seen by the state as a threat to the Islamic Republic.

In Nigeria, Christians are under threat from Fulani militants who typically attack their villages at night to drive them out of their lands.

Release International also noted the rise in attacks on Christians in India. In the first half of 2016, the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India documented 134 attacks, which is nearly the annual totals for both 2014 and 2015 combined.

In China, there is ongoing pressure on the unregistered churches to submit to government control. Christians are often charged with offenses related to espionage and state security, which effectively makes them enemies of the state who collude with foreign powers.

In Pakistan, Christians were subjected to violent attacks from militants as well as discrimination from the legal system. A Release partner predicted that Christians will continue to face discrimination, forced conversion and forced marriages in 2017.

Last week, the Massimo Introvigne, director of Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), revealed a few details about an upcoming report on Christian persecution. He said that around 90,000 Christians have been killed in 2016, and 500 to 600 million Christians from all over the world were prevented from practicing their faith.