Report: 2,000 Christians killed and 3,000 attacked worldwide over two years

Photos from frontline Konstiantynivka showing the condition of the UOC church. Photo: Facebook of the 24th OMB named after King Danylo

On January 10, 2026, the American human rights organization Global Christian Relief published a report, according to which approximately 2,000 murders of Christians were recorded worldwide over the past two years, as well as nearly 3,000 confirmed cases of kidnappings and attacks on believers.

The report, covering the period from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2025, mentions at least 1,972 confirmed murders of Christians related to religiously motivated violence. Human rights defenders emphasize that the real scale of persecution may be significantly larger, as many incidents occur in hard-to-reach regions and do not receive independent confirmation.

Africa is named as the most dangerous region for Christians. Nigeria became the leader in the number of murders – 590 documented cases. This is followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (447), Ethiopia (177), Russia (167), and Mozambique (94). The report notes that in many countries, violence is systematic and linked to the activities of groups affiliated with the "Islamic State".

Mexico, China, and Rwanda lead in the number of kidnappings, attacks, and other forms of pressure on Christians. In Mexico, violence is often related to the activities of drug cartels that assault pastors and church workers, considering them a threat to their control over communities. China recorded the highest number of arrests of Christians – 709 confirmed cases.

The report separately mentions Ukraine, where against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, destruction of churches, pressure on religious communities, and restrictions on church activities have been recorded. Human rights defenders point out that military actions, as well as government decisions in the religious sphere, create additional risks for believers. Ukraine is named as one of the countries where Christians face systemic threats to religious freedom under conditions of political and military instability.

Global Christian Relief emphasizes that modern persecution of Christians does not always have an open character and often manifests through administrative pressure, restrictions on worship services, surveillance, and legislative measures.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that a U.S. congresswoman appealed to the Vatican over UOC persecution.

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