Christians in India are fearful that persecution will proceed to extend this 12 months, a spiritual freedom organisation has said.
Release International said in its latest ‘Persecution Trends’ report that Christians in India began 2025 with feelings of “fear and anxiety” in regards to the current state of spiritual freedom of their country.
Partners of Release speculate that the rise in persecution has been driven by Hindu extremist retaliation at losses suffered by the ruling BJP party in last 12 months’s general election, although anti-conversion laws in quite a few states are also making life difficult.
“Nationwide it’s estimated that 3,000 Christian leaders and pastors are held in various jails under these charges,” Release International partners said.
The last 12 months have been hard for India’s Christian minority, with reports of physical and emotional abuse, harassment against pastors, false imprisonment, and the destruction of church buildings.
They are fearful that this 12 months will bring more violence, particularly against Christian women and girls, and that the authorities will make it increasingly difficult for Christians to fulfill freely.
“Already restrictions are increasing, with some Christians barred from doing business, travelling on public transport and even drawing water from village wells,” said a Release partner.
Christians in neighbouring Pakistan are faring even worse, with local partners saying that persecution against Christians is “increasing daily”. This is being blamed partially on the radicalisation of young people which reportedly includes teaching them the best way to file complaints against Christians. The conflict within the Middle East has also had a knock-on effect as Christians are perceived as being pro-Israel.
“Young Muslims are being taught and trained as extremists. This ideology is increasing hatred, discrimination and persecution against Christians in Pakistan,” said a Release partner.
Other countries mentioned within the report include Nigeria where Christians in some parts of the country live in constant fear of attacks.
Release International partners said: “Nigeria has been recognised as one of the crucial dangerous places to be a Christian, with over 8,000 Christians reportedly killed in 2023 alone due to their faith. And over 4 million refugees, mostly Christian farmers, have been displaced as a consequence of violence … Christians in Nigeria are to expect more violence, death, kidnappings and displacement in 2025.”
In war-torn Ukraine, Christians in occupied territories have change into “underground believers” after their buildings were seized, Release said, while in Eritrea some 400 believers are believed to be in prison for his or her faith, around half of whom were arrested throughout the last two years alone. In China, Christians report the most important crackdown on religious freedom because the Cultural Revolution.
Paul Robinson, Release International’s CEO, said, “The picture is evident and consistent in lots of the countries highlighted in our report. The persecution of Christians continues, and is increasing. Christians within the UK should be aware, and wish to specific their love and take care of their fellow Christians.”
