11/10/2023 Washington (International Christian Concern) – International Christian Concern (ICC) President Jeff King was interviewed on several media outlets this week to discuss the recent release of ICC’s comprehensive 2023 Persecutors of the Year (POY) report.
King, one of the world’s leading experts on religious freedom and Christian persecution, said that Christian persecution is often misunderstood or underreported in the West. The 88-page document highlights the world’s worst oppressive countries, entities, and individuals for Christians. Between 200 and 300 million Christians live under persecution – attacks, arrests, forced conversions, denial of rights and more – fueled by radical Islam, communist regimes, discrimination, and evil.
“Much of the persecution that takes place is simply not on the radar of our mainstream media,” noted King, who has served in ministry for nearly three decades, including two at the helm of ICC. “It’s imperative that we shout about persecution from the rooftops, and we do so through this and many other in-depth reports and our daily news posts at persecution.org.”
Fox and Friends invited King to appear live on Saturday, Nov. 4, morning show. He also gave interviews to the Washington Times, Christian Post, NewsBreak, Fox News, and Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, to name a few. King has more interviews lined up in the coming weeks.
King credited ICC’s gifted domestic and overseas staff with producing the POY report, and their ability – from on-the-ground reporting, interviewing survivors, and analyzing data – that poured into the document. Each section includes an overview and analysis of the persecution, timeline, recommendations for government leaders, and “glimmers of hope” that showed how God is working in and though the Church.
“We want this incredible resource to be used by those who can effect change,” said King. “This is a great tool for journalists who need background information on these oppressors. Politicians can pass legislation or support sanctions against these evil regimes. It’s also a terrific resource for the public that wants an easy-to-read overview of persecution this year.”
The POY report provides analysis on ten persecuting countries including: Nigeria, North Korea, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Eritrea, Algeria, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan. Entities include the Allied Democratic Forces, Al-Shabab, Fulani Militants, Sahel Terror Groups, The Taliban, and Tatmadaw. Individuals cited were Yogi Adityanath, Isaias Afwerki, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un.
King cites several flash points this year, including Pakistan, “Where a 5,000-strong mob of radical Muslims destroyed two dozen churches and hundreds of homes in the Christian enclave of Jaranwala. And in Nigeria, millions of Christians have suffered attacks from radical Muslims for the last 20 years.
“Across the globe, our brothers and sisters can be imprisoned or killed simply for identifying as a follower of Jesus. They are legally prevented from telling others about their faith and anti-conversion and blasphemy laws are used to falsely charge Christians with crimes.”
Since 1995, ICC has relieved the suffering of the worldwide persecuted church and helped it grow in strength and breadth. ICC carries out its mission through a three-pronged approach of assistance, advocacy, and awareness.
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