By Lisa Navarrette, ICC Fellow During the past 20 years, the global development agenda has achieved remarkable progress. Tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions, of people have been lifted out of extreme poverty. Access to clean water, electricity, and basic health care has expanded dramatically. Yet, in many regions, Christians continue to face increased persecution, legal restrictions, social hostility, and violence. This stark dichotomy suggests that material advancement alone does not guarantee freedom of conscience, religious rights, or protection for minority faiths.