Christians around the world are being brutally persecuted, facing imprisonment, torture, and even death. We shed light on their responses so that the world may know their stories and that others facing persecution may forge similar paths of witness and resistance.
"Under Caesar’s Sword" is a collaborative global research project that investigates how Christian communities respond when their religious freedom is severely violated. It is a partnership of the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture and the Religious Freedom Institute.
Report: In Response to Persecution
How do Christians respond to persecution? Some analysts have documented the global persecution of Christians, but few have asked what Christians actually do in response.
This new report conveys the findings of Under Caesar’s Sword, the world’s first systematic global investigation into the responses of Christian communities to persecution. It includes country-by-country analysis, major global patterns, and recommendations for action.
Bring Their Stories Home: Study and Teach
We Respond, a seven-session study series for high school students and adult groups, uses reflection questions, stories, and accessible research findings to allow your group to engage thoughtfully with Christians' responses to persecution today.
Christians Confronting Persecution, a six-week online course through Notre Dame's STEP program, brings together ministers, educators, and other adults to confront the reality of persecution through the lens of faith.
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In 2008, violence against Christians in Orissa, India, has resulted in nearly 40 Christians killed and over 10,000 displaced.
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In 2013, Christians were harassed in 102 countries.
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In 2012 76% of the world's population lived in a religiously repressive country.
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An average of 10 people are killed daily by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram in Nigeria.
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Christians are the victims of 80% of all acts of religious discrimination in the world.
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Before 2003, there were around 1.2 million Christians in Iraq. Within ten years, they shrunk to around 500 thousand.