Study highlighting rise in Christian persecution is just the tip of the iceberg, charity warns

The researchers found that a record increase in restrictions on religion have been imposed by many governments around the world, with Christians facing harassment in 143 countries. 

Release International, which supports persecuted Christians around the world, said while it “welcomes the report”, it didn’t paint an entirely accurate picture of global Christian persecution.

“The sheer breadth of their investigation means it is behind the times,” a statement from the charity states. 

“From our own findings, we would say that insufficient emphasis is placed on the growing restrictions in China and the severe persecution of Christians in North Korea.” 

Release International said the persecution level in China is even higher than this research reveals as the research stops at 2017.

“The following year, China imposed even tougher new restrictions to clamp down on Christians in their country,” Paul Robinson from the charity explained. 

China has also restricted the number of religious groups who can register with the government to hold worship services. 

However, there are reports that even registered Christian churches are being shut down by the government. North Korea isn’t included at all in the Pew report.

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