ACN Religious Freedom Report 2025: “If religious freedom is denied for one faith, soon, it will be denied to others”

August 22, 2025 – As the world marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, Marta Petrosillo, Editor-in-Chief of the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Religious Freedom Report (RFR), has warned that the denial of religious freedom to one community ultimately threatens all.

Speaking ahead of the release of the 2025 edition of the RFR on October 21, Petrosillo highlighted the growing urgency of protecting freedom of religion worldwide.

“Religious freedom violations affect hundreds of millions of people all over the world. If religious freedom is denied for one group, sooner or later, it will also be denied to others,” she said.

A Unique Global Report

First published in 1999, the Religious Freedom in the World Report is the only NGO-produced study that covers all countries and all faith groups. The report has consistently documented a deteriorating trend, and Petrosillo cautioned that the 2025 edition is expected to show further decline.

Three Faces of Religious Persecution

According to Petrosillo, persecution typically falls into three categories:

1. State-sponsored persecution
2. Violence driven by religious extremism (including jihadist groups)
3. Ethno-religious nationalism

These forms of persecution are worsening across multiple regions:

• Africa: Once stable countries like Burkina Faso have become hotspots for jihadist violence. The Democratic Republic of Congo has also witnessed deadly attacks on Christian communities.
• Asia: Rising ethno-religious nationalism is undermining coexistence.
• Middle East: Ongoing instability continues to threaten minority faiths.
• Latin America: Increasingly, believers face hostility from both state and non-state actors.

Religious Freedom Under Pressure in the West

Petrosillo also warned of growing violations in Western nations, citing rising antisemitic and anti-Muslim attacks linked to the Gaza conflict, along with the spread of what Pope Francis has called “polite persecution”—efforts to exclude religion from the public square.

Healthcare professionals facing pressure to violate their conscience in matters such as abortion and euthanasia were also highlighted as a concern.

Hope Through Awareness and Advocacy

Despite the bleak global picture, Petrosillo sees hope in increased international awareness and advocacy. She pointed to examples like Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy after global campaigns, as proof that international pressure can save lives.

She urged ordinary citizens to act:

• Raise awareness in workplaces, schools, and communities
• Offer prayer and material support for persecuted believers
• Advocate for religious freedom at local and national levels

“Religious freedom is a human right, but it’s also a shared responsibility,” Petrosillo emphasized. “It’s up to us to make sure this right is granted equally everywhere.”

The full 2025 ACN Religious Freedom in the World Report will be released on October 21, 2025.

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