In a new report, International Christian Concern (ICC) Fellow Daniel St John examines the revenue-generating systems in Africa that support Islamic extremist groups like the Islamic State group and al-Shabab. The report, “The East African Terrorism Economy: Systemic Targeting of Christians,” provides an overview of the Islamic extremist groups, the Somalia-based financial hub for regional…
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Following Nepal’s nearly 200-year ban on Christianity, the faith has experienced steady growth since 1951 as the number of churches, Christian schools, and hospitals has gradually expanded. Despite this growth, Christians only make up about 1.76% of Nepal’s population, while more than 81% of people identify as Hindu. In the face of legal restrictions, social…
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By Dr. Greg Cochran, ICC Fellow Violence — particularly gun violence — features prominently in political debates across the U.S. “Gun violence is an epidemic in this country, yet Congress remains hamstrung by obstructionists when it comes to passing meaningful gun safety legislation,” U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) said. Rep. Moulton serves as a member…
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Note: ICC is an apolitical entity and does not support political causes or parties. ICC’s focus is to ease the suffering of Christians in hostile places. By ICC Fellow Lisa Navarrette While support for and opinions on President Trump range widely among believers, he and his administration have prioritized international religious freedom and helping persecuted…
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By Dr. Greg Cochran, ICC Fellow The global spotlight shines brightly on the Strait of Hormuz as the world watches powerful actors vying for success, waiting to see how this scene plays out at the end of this violent drama. In the end, who finishes this performance by walking across the stage with the most…
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A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) highlights how Nigeria’s government is weaponizing misinformation to hide a decades-long campaign of violence against Christians. Written by ICC Fellow Justin Joseph, “Nigeria’s $10 Million Genocide Cover-Up” reveals how power, politics, and propaganda are fueling a human catastrophe. Since 2009, at least 190,150 Nigerians — 128,750 of…
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By Lisa Navarrette, ICC Fellow The question of why the government cannot fully contain Christian persecution in Nigeria is often asked with frustration and urgency. At first glance, it may seem like a failure of political will. It is easy to assume that if the government truly wanted to stop the violence, it could. However,…
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By ICC Fellow Dr. Greg Cochran What makes a home? Beyond the quality of neighborhoods and locations near good schools, houses currently for sale must compete for the attention of skilled buyers who are well-suited to scrutinize — buyers making sure to get the most for the copious amount of cash they will disburse to buy a new home. Home buyers look for energy-efficient windows, spacious laundry…
By ICC Fellow Lisa Navarrette Christianity has existed in modern Iran for nearly 2,000 years. Long before the rise of Islam, Christian communities were already flourishing in the Persian Empire. Over centuries, these believers endured waves of suspicion, discrimination, and persecution. Yet despite political upheaval and government repression, Christianity has survived in Iran and continues…
By ICC Fellow Lisa Navarrette On Feb. 28, a moment unfolded that many believed would never come. Through Operation Epic Fury, Israel and the United States struck at the heart of Iran’s ruling regime. This regime had tightened its grip on its people, silenced dissent, and restricted freedoms for decades. By the next day, scenes emerged that captured the world’s attention: Iranians…
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By ICC Fellow Linda Burkle, PhD Fifteen years ago, I traveled to China with a friend and ministry partner to conduct a training conference for underground church leaders. This was our second trip to equip and encourage them. Whereas my friend lives in another state, we met at the international airport to fly to China. Each of us…
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By Lisa Navarrette, ICC Fellow Persecution seeks to isolate, weaken, and erase. It destroys farms and businesses, blocks promotions, weaponizes laws, and fuels hostility. Yet across the world, persecuted Christians continue to rebuild. The final article in this series is not about loss. It is about restoration. If economic persecution aims to dismantle livelihoods, then small business initiatives…
By Lisa Navarrette, ICC Fellow Persecution doesn’t end when a family flees. Often, displacement is not the conclusion of suffering. It is often the beginning of a deeper economic unraveling. When Christians are forced from their homes by violence, intimidation, or legal pressure, they do not merely lose shelter. They lose land, tools, businesses,…
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By Lisa Navarrette, ICC Fellow Laws and court systems create the framework for economic persecution. Social hostility often carries it out. Even when laws appear neutral, communities can make it clear to Christians where the boundaries of opportunity lie. Economic exclusion does not always need official legislation to take effect. It can be enforced through rumors, boycotts, intimidation,…
By Lisa Navarrette, ICC Fellow Economic persecution rarely operates in isolation. It is sustained, protected, and often legitimized by legal systems. These systems quietly encourage discrimination to continue unchecked. When employers refuse to hire, when licenses are denied, when aid is withheld, these acts are rarely spontaneous. Instead, laws that fail to protect minorities, courts…
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By Lisa Navarrette, ICC Fellow When persecution is discussed, it is usually framed in images of violence: burned churches, imprisoned pastors, mobs chanting in the streets. These images are real, and they matter. But for millions of Christians around the world, persecution is not loud or dramatic. It is quiet. It happens in hiring offices, classrooms,…
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By Dr. Greg Cochran, ICC Fellow Nigeria’s continued presence on the Countries of Particular Concern list is a good sign that religious liberty still motivates the American soul. Beyond this, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) teamed up with Rep. Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the U.S. House of Representatives. In response to this action,…
By Dr. Greg Cochran, ICC Fellow The recent arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon reignited the debate regarding immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The arrest — because it happened as a result of protest activities at Cities Church in St. Paul — has forced Christians to consider the position their churches ought to take on…
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By ICC Fellow Linda Burkle, PhD Mexico has erupted in violence and destruction in retaliation for the Feb. 22 assassination of Nemesio Ruben Osequera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This cartel is considered one of the most powerful and brutal in Mexico. The assassination was carried out by the Mexican…
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In recent months, at least 20 Yemeni Christians have been arrested for the crime of following Christ. Taken from their homes or detained on the streets, these believers are accused not of violence or political dissent, but of faith. While exact numbers are difficult to verify due to Yemen’s closed and chaotic security environment, credible…
The post Arrests of Yemeni Christians Demonstrate a…