Here are CT’s most-read stories about the persecuted church in 2017, ranked in reverse order of which ones online readers read most.
Christian Governor of Jakarta Jailed, Found Guilty of Blasphemy
Indonesian court gives Ahok harsher sentence than prosecutors requested.
What Arab Leaders Think of USAID Funding Persecuted Christians
Middle East believers pray more American money won’t mean more problems.
Iraqi Christians at Odds with World on Kurdish Independence Referendum
Kurds and Christians both want security and autonomy as minorities in Iraq. But one’s dream could dash the other’s.
Pakistan Convicts 42 Christians of Terrorism After Acquitting More Than 100 Muslims
Divergent verdicts on two of Lahore’s biggest religious riots undercuts optimism for new law.
Saudi Arabia’s Neighbor Defends Religious Freedom of Individuals
(UPDATED) Arab Christian leaders react to Bahrain Declaration, which builds upon Marrakesh and Jakarta efforts by Muslim leaders.
Trump Picks Sam Brownback as Religious Freedom Ambassador
President makes his nomination much faster than President Obama.
You Can Debate Franklin Graham on Martyrs, But Not the World’s Persecution Problem
DC summit rallies victims and advocates from 130 nations, including Vice President Pence.
China Kicks Out Korean Missionaries in ‘Unprecedented’ Numbers
Scores of Protestants expelled near North Korean border as tensions rise over THAAD missile defense system.
Courts Split on US Christians Caught Up in Turkey’s Crackdown
Deportation of evangelist David Byle blocked, while pastor Andrew Brunson still imprisoned without evidence.
It’s Official: Fewer Persecuted Christians Find Refuge in America Under Trump
We’ve hit the president’s new resettlement ceiling of 50,000. Here’s who made it in.
US Missionary May Get Russia’s Anti-Evangelism Law Overturned
After 32 cases, lawmakers review Yarovaya restrictions on religion. Top courts could follow.
Righteous Anger: Egypt’s Christians Respond to ISIS
With 100 massacred in five months, leaving vengeance to the Lord is getting harder for Copts.
The Game of Thrones Christians Should Be Watching
Arab believers assess crown prince’s pledge to modernize Saudi Arabia’s Islam.
ISIS Church Bombings Kill Dozens at Palm Sunday Services in Egypt
(UPDATED) Christian leader: ‘During this week of Jesus’ suffering, we will pray to God to give us protection and healing.’
Pence: US Will Bypass UN and Aid Persecuted Iraqi Christians Directly
Vice president reveals USAID will provide direct assistance to religious minorities targeted by ISIS.
Kidnapped Samaritan’s Purse Workers Freed Amid South Sudan Famine
(UPDATED) Eight staff members found safe and relocated.
ISIS Flag Flies in Asia’s Most Christian Country
Islamist insurgence in the southern Philippines forces Christians to flee, hide, or die.
China Tells Christians to Replace Images of Jesus with Communist President
Propaganda effort in poor province latest sign of Xi Jinping consolidating control.
ISIS Kills 29 Christians on Church Bus Trip to Popular Monastery
(UPDATED) Egypt cancels Ramadan’s opening celebration as Copts resist revenge.
US Prepares to Deport Hundreds of Iraqi Christians
American veteran faces forced return to dangerous homeland that two-thirds of his fellow believers have fled.
Nepal Criminalizes Christian Conversion and Evangelism
President approves new sanctions targeting non-Hindus and foreign missionaries.
Compassion Has ‘Very Little Hope’ for India, Sets Deadline to Shut Down Sponsorships
About 145,000 children have already lost its assistance with food, education, and health care.
‘Worst Year Yet’: The Top 50 Countries Where It’s Hardest to Be a Christian
Islamic extremism now has a rival, according to 2017 World Watch List.
Russia’s Plan to Ban Jehovah’s Witnesses Puts Evangelicals in a Tight Spot
Group gives Protestants competition for souls, but also an ally on religious freedom.
Forgiveness: Muslims Moved as Coptic Christians Do the Unimaginable
Amid ISIS attacks, faithful response inspires Egyptian society.
