A new report from the papal charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has detailed a continuing rise in religious persecution of Christians worldwide. The report had its Irish launch yesterday.

The report states that Islamism was responsible for an increase in all six African countries reviewed, indicating that “the epicentre of militant Islamist violence has shifted from the Middle East to Africa”. It goes on to explain: “Mass migration of Christian communities, triggered by militant Islamist attacks, has destabilised and disenfranchised them, raising questions about the long-term survival of the Church in key regions.”

Countries where persecution has increased include world powers such as China and India, as well as Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.

For the first time, Nicaragua is featured in response to extreme oppressive measures, notably the mass detention and expulsion of clergy.

Recurring themes in the report include the displacement of Christian communities following attacks by extremist groups and the forced marriage and conversion of Christian women and girls.

Other highlights from the report include an upsurge in violent attacks on Christians in Pakistan triggered by blasphemy allegations and the detention of more than 850 people under anti-conversion laws in India.