Latest ACN report highlights scale of persecution of Christians worldwide
ACN Malta
The impact of violence, persecution and exodus of Christians in the Middle East and elsewhere is highlighted in a wide-ranging report that has just been released by a leading Catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
The new ACN Report – “Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for their Faith 2013-15” – assesses the situation in 22 countries where there are grave violations of religious freedom including physical attacks, kidnappings and murders. A direct comparison with the situation two years ago shows that the situation has deteriorated in many countries of concern.
In making its assessment, the analysis draws on in-country reports, witness testimonies, interviews with bishops, Sisters and lay people. This research material is compared with evidence from NGOs with expertise in the field.
The launch of Persecuted and Forgotten? 2013-15 comes at a time of increasing concerns for the future of Christianity in parts of the Middle East where numbers have plummeted. With previously published research already showing Christianity to be the world’s most persecuted religion, the ACN report will show the growing impact of extremism in Africa, the Asian sub-continent and elsewhere.
Persecuted and Forgotten? 2013-15 also assesses the problems facing Christians and other religious minorities in countries such as China and Vietnam where historically atheistic regimes continue to put pressure on faith groups.
