A watchdog group has released its annual report nations that are persecuting Christians, and sadly, for the first time, the United States is on the list.
Persecution watchdog and aid organization International Christian Concern released its annual “Hall of Shame” report for 2016, highlighting the world’s 12 countries that are the worst persecutors of Christians.
The report divides countries into three categories – “Worst of the Worst,” “Core Countries” and “New and Noteworthy,” which includes the United States, as well as Russia and Mexico. This is the first time the Washington D.C.-based organization, which has assisted persecuted Christians since 1995, has included the United States in its annual “Hall of Shame.”
Jeff King, ICC President said, “We felt it was very important this year that we highlight three countries where religious discrimination and persecution are deemed unusual but have reached a certain threshold of concern. “While conditions in the US are in no way comparable to other countries on the list, a certain segment of the culture and the courts seem to be intent on driving faith out of the public square. There have been too many court cases with bad decisions to miss the clear trend line.”
Exit polls made it clear Supreme Court nominations and religious liberty were two driving forces in the outcome of the 2016 U.S. election. President-elect Trump promised to place conservative justices who would uphold issues important to people of faith on the Supreme Court, and he promised to protect the First Amendment and religious freedom.