In 2016 a Christian was killed every 6 minutes because of their faith, somewhere in the world. In the Middle East, the world has witnessed a devastating escalation of Christian persecution, causing the displacement of entire communities, and a massive decrease in the Christian population in the region. Many of these persecuted Christians have fled to Europe in search of refuge.
The ICC works with Christians from the Middle East who have fled persecution or who face persecution still. In 2016, 88% of Christian refugees reported witnessing or experiencing faith-based persecution in the refugee camps.
A state consulate exists to help citizens of that state who need help whilst in a foreign land. The Bible describes Christians as being citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. The International Christian Consulate in a similar way, exists to provide help to the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, who find themselves in trouble here on earth. Our focus is specifically on Christians from the Middle East.
Currently working in Greece, the ICC provides emergency help and support for Christian refugees, many of whom are in hiding due to fear of persecution by refugees of other religions. The ICC currently has 10 safe houses providing short-term safe accommodation for Christian refugees who have been targeted in refugee camps and other accommodation in Athens. We work to help them obtain their legal refugee status in Greece and to move towards independence through providing support needed to find work, learn Greek, better understand the system and to support them until they are settled.
In addition to these operations, the ICC carries out research on the condition of Christian refugees, the challenges they face, and other related issues. We also actively engage in public diplomacy in order to try to raise awareness of faith-based issues for religious minorities such as Middle Eastern Christians.
