380 Million Christians Worldwide Face Persecution

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The international human rights organization Open Doors has updated its 2025 World Watch List, highlighting the growing scale and severity of Christian persecution worldwide. According to the report, North Korea and Somalia remain at the top of the list of countries with the highest levels of persecution. The total number of Christians facing oppression has reached 380 million, 15 million more than the previous year.

North Korea, returning to the number one position, is notorious for its brutal treatment of believers. Christians discovered in the country face arrests, deportation to labor camps, and even execution. Despite these risks, approximately 400,000 Christians continue to practice their faith in secret. The report also points to China's role, noting its state control of religious communities and its policy of deporting North Korean refugees back to their homeland, where they often face severe punishment.

Central Asia has emerged as a new hotspot for concern. Kyrgyzstan has entered the top 50 countries with the worst conditions for Christians for the first time in 12 years. The country has seen a significant rise in persecution, with churches being shut down and increasing pressure on believers. Neighboring Kazakhstan has also seen a deterioration in the situation.

Africa remains the continent with the most widespread violence against Christians. Of the 4,476 recorded killings of Christians for their faith, 3,100 occurred in Nigeria, making it one of the most dangerous countries for Christians. Fulani extremists continue to attack Christian farming communities, destroying entire villages.

Yemen, now ranked third, has seen persecution intensify due to the ongoing civil war. The Houthi movement, supported by Iran, and increased radicalization have made the country extremely hazardous for Christians. Worship is restricted to private homes, and many communities have gone underground.

In the Middle East and parts of Africa, Christian churches are disappearing or being forced into hiding. All Protestant churches in Algeria have been closed, while in Afghanistan, Christianity has largely gone underground. Even in China, where registered churches once enjoyed relative freedom, government authorities have increased ideological control.

The Open Doors website shares stories of believers who remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution. Zahra, a Christian from Yemen, continues to live in her country to spread Christ's message of love, despite threats to her life. Zhu Min, a North Korean Christian who survived imprisonment, returned home to support secret believers. Their stories echo the words of the Gospel: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

Human rights advocates have called on the international community to address the issue of Christian persecution and prioritize religious freedom. The head of Open Doors stated that the persecution of Christians is used to foster instability in many regions documented in the report. He emphasized that freedom should be a key component in efforts to achieve peace and stability.

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