During an era of rising global hostility toward Christians, a U.S. Air Force veteran has been named to lead one of the leading groups advocating for the persecuted church worldwide.

On Wednesday, the Washington, D.C.-based International Christian Concern (ICC) announced Shawn Wright, 54, as its new president after an extensive search process.

ICC Board of Directors Chair Ed Wormald said that Wright’s “leadership experience and unique gifting” made him the clear choice.

In a statement to The Roys Report (TRR), Wright addressed how Christians in many of the world’s most populous nations—including China, India, and Indonesia—are facing increased threats.

“Persecution often grows where faith is spreading most rapidly, just as in the early church,” said Wright. “The distinct claims of Christianity—Jesus as God incarnate, crucified, risen, and reigning—challenge worldviews and authorities. That message both transforms lives and provokes opposition.”

Wright previously served 15 years in varied Christian missions and humanitarian groups, most recently as president of PAK7 US, a media ministry that serves Pakistani Christians. 

He said his background prepares him “to lead in sensitive and often dangerous contexts.” He added, “It taught me operational security, cross-cultural collaboration, and how to faithfully tell the story of the persecuted church through the eyes of those living it with God’s grace.” 

Wright succeeds retiring president Jeff King, under whose 23-year tenure ICC expanded its operations into 47 countries, carried out by more than 50 full-time and part-time global staff.

In the press release, Wormald praised how King “(built) ICC into a respected and impactful ministry. Under Jeff’s leadership, countless oppressed believers have been seen, supported, and strengthened.”

Wright, whose first day will be Oct. 31, said that work will broaden.

Aware of the violence and trauma faced by persecuted believers. ICC plans to partner with other ministries to “help survivors heal spiritually and emotionally, not just physically,” he said. 

“The need is overwhelming,” Wright added.

ICC recognized for mission focus, high nonprofit standards

On the MinistryWatch 1000 Database, which compiles financial data and public info for Christian ministries, International Christian Concern ranks among the top nonprofits in the relief and development sector. 

ICC receives an A transparency rating and a rare 97% donor confidence score.

MinistryWatch cites how ICC files an IRS Form 990 every year and makes its annual reports available online, as well as how the nonprofit has an independent board of directors.

Charitable giving in the U.S. rebounded last year, with giving to international-focused nonprofits up 14%, according to the latest report from Giving USA Foundation. 

However, the total number of U.S. donors to nonprofit groups declined in 2024 and donors appear to be supporting fewer organizations, reported the Fundraising Effectiveness Project. 

Wright stated he believes that “ICC’s comprehensive, impactful approach stands out.”

The nonprofit reported $3.7 million revenue in its most recent Form 990, covering 2023.

In a statement, a spokesperson confirmed ICC is “on solid financial footing” and noted that their “most recent Form 990 will be finalized in the next few weeks.”

Seeking common ground despite turmoil

ICC works with many allies, including nonprofits like Open Doors and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent government agency, to monitor, investigate and report incidents of religious persecution.

“We also engage government leaders to raise awareness and influence policy, ensuring that the voices of the persecuted are heard at the highest level,” Wright said.

ICC, which is privately funded, has sought support of elected leaders in both major political parties, as part of the broader international religious freedom movement.

The first-term Trump administration has been praised for its accomplishments toward that end, such as sanctions on China for human rights abuses against religious minorities.

Since Jan. 20, the Trump administration has shifted to domestic religious liberty threats to Christians, with an “absence” on international issues noted in a recent Newsweek op-ed.  

Respected religious freedom leader Rabbi David Saperstein pointed out that 12 of 13 members of a White House-convened Religious Liberty Commission were Christians, in addition to a separate Task Force to Eliminate Anti-Christian Bias recently empaneled.

Saperstein noted how no members of recent White House religion panels have “challenged the administration’s alarming attacks on religious charities, particularly those engaged in providing services to immigrants and their families.”

Some of ICC’s allies in relief and development, such as World Relief, involved in resettling refugees and religious asylum seekers, have decried how the Trump administration has halted various resettlement programs. 

Moreover, the administration deported a planeload of Iranian immigrants back to Iran on Monday, according to the New York Times, even though human rights advocates say they could face persecution and death. At least one person on that plane is a Christian convert, the newspaper said.

The administration deported several planeloads of Iranians to Panama earlier this year, including a group that had converted to Christianity, which is punishable by death in Iran.

Disclosure: TRR regularly republishes reported stories about persecuted believers and trends authored by ICC staff, which is done without compensation.

Josh Shepherd is production editor at The Roys Report and a journalist who writes on faith, culture, and public policy for several media outlets. He and his family live in central Florida.