
Image: MOHAMED EL-SHAHED / AFP / Samaritan's Purse / AsiaNews
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 BlasphemyIndonesian court gives Ahok harsher sentence than prosecutors requested.
- What Arab Leaders Think of USAID Funding Persecuted ChristiansMiddle East believers pray more American money won't mean more problems.
- Iraqi Christians at Odds with World on Kurdish Independence ReferendumKurds 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 MuslimsDivergent 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 AmbassadorPresident makes his nomination much faster than President Obama.
- You Can Debate Franklin Graham on Martyrs, But Not the World’s Persecution ProblemDC summit rallies victims and advocates from 130 nations, including Vice President Pence.
- China Kicks Out Korean Missionaries in 'Unprecedented' NumbersScores 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 CrackdownDeportation of evangelist David Byle blocked, while pastor Andrew Brunson still imprisoned without evidence.
- It’s Official: Fewer Persecuted Christians Find Refuge in America Under TrumpWe’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 OverturnedAfter 32 cases, lawmakers review Yarovaya restrictions on religion. Top courts could follow.
- Righteous Anger: Egypt’s Christians Respond to ISISWith 100 massacred in five months, leaving vengeance to the Lord is getting harder for Copts.
- The Game of Thrones Christians Should Be WatchingArab 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 DirectlyVice 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 CountryIslamist insurgence in the southern Philippines forces Christians to flee, hide, or die.
- China Tells Christians to Replace Images of Jesus with Communist PresidentPropaganda 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 ChristiansAmerican veteran faces forced return to dangerous homeland that two-thirds of his fellow believers have fled.
- Nepal Criminalizes Christian Conversion and EvangelismPresident approves new sanctions targeting non-Hindus and foreign missionaries.
- Compassion Has 'Very Little Hope' for India, Sets Deadline to Shut Down SponsorshipsAbout 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 ChristianIslamic extremism now has a rival, according to 2017 World Watch List.
- Russia’s Plan to Ban Jehovah’s Witnesses Puts Evangelicals in a Tight SpotGroup gives Protestants competition for souls, but also an ally on religious freedom.
- Forgiveness: Muslims Moved as Coptic Christians Do the UnimaginableAmid ISIS attacks, faithful response inspires Egyptian society.

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