Religious persecution is on the rise. Daily news stories and social science research chronicle the suffering of Christians and those of other faiths at the hands of both governments and private citizens. Yet, with few exceptions,the North American church has been largely absent from serious action that addresses this global problem. The Church and Religious Persecution examines the nature and scope of religious persecution worldwide, explores the response of the church, and proposes steps church leaders and members can take to stand up for religious freedom and build a faith-based movement against persecution.

Kevin R. den Dulk is the Paul B. Henry Chair in Political Science and the executive director of the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin College. An award-winning teacher, his scholarly work focuses on how religion works through civil society to foster democratic citizenship, both in the United States and abroad. He has co-authored or co-edited several books, including Religion and Politics in America (Westview), A Disappearing God Gap? (Oxford), Christianity in Chinese Public Life (Palgrave) and, most recently, Mediating Religion and Government (Palgrave).