I continue to be shocked and saddened by how little media coverage is given to the persecution of Christians on the global stage. I won’t blame anybody for this neglect, but I will take this opportunity to update you on the situation in a few significant spots on Planet Earth.
Know this, friends: quite tragically, the persecution of Christ followers is on the steady uptick, globally.
In Afghanistan, converting to Christianity is a death sentence. Persecution can be severe, including both government-sponsored discrimination and sanctioned violence against believers. Afghan law does not recognize religious confessions other than Islamic ones, and apostasy – that includes any version of leaving Islam – is punishable by death.
In China, pastors disappear with some degree of regularity, and worship is spied on routinely by the government. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to ensure that all religious expression aligns with its ideology, leading to intense pressure on churches and individuals who do not conform.
In Egypt, believers live in fear. Persecution is a serious concern, particularly for converts from Islam and Coptic believers. While the government publicly promotes religious diversity and tolerance, Christians face systemic restrictions on religious freedom. They may experience second-class citizenship, discrimination, or outright abuse.
In Eritrea, our brothers and sisters are locked in shipping containers. Persecution is widespread and severe, particularly against those outside state-sanctioned religious bodies. The government has little tolerance for religious minorities; evangelicals can be detained, arrested, and tortured. Many Christians face pressure from their communities if they convert from Islam.
In India, Christians are beaten in the streets, and churches are burned. Data shows a sharp rise in attacks, including assaults, property damage, and intimidation. The rise of Hindu nationalism fuels hostility. Anti-conversion laws target Christians, resulting in false arrests. Christians face discrimination; converts from Hinduism and house church leaders are particularly vulnerable.
In Iran, following Christ can be a death sentence. Persecution is severe and systemic, particularly for converts from Islam; the government considers Christian converts a threat to national security and the regime’s ideology. The Center for Human Rights (CHRI) reports a surge in intensity and brutality of persecution, with evangelical Christians particularly targeted.
In Libya, believers live in fear of violence, and Christian persecution is a grave concern. While relatively peaceful relations exist between Muslims and Christians in some regions, there are significant restrictions on Christian religious activity and the public practice of any religion other than Islam. Evangelism is illegal, so speaking of one’s faith in Christ is exceptionally dangerous.
In Mexico, the number of abducted believers is rising, while attacks on Christian property owners – and related deaths – mount. The primary persecutors are organized crime gangs controlled by violent drug cartels. Pastors are targeted for extortion due of their presumed links to Western donors. Rural areas are the most dangerous, as police fear going into those regions.
In Myanmar, Christian persecution is severe and has intensified since the military coup in 2021. The Burmese government equates Buddhism with national identity, and Christ followers are treated as second-class citizens – facing violence and repression. Over 300 churches have been destroyed. Pastors have been killed, and thousands imprisoned. The conflict has displaced millions of people, including Christians, now forced to seek refuge in makeshift jungle camps.
In Nigeria, our sisters and brothers are being hacked to death or burned alive. Muslims have killed Christians by the tens of thousands. In 2022, roughly 5000 Christians were murdered for their faith – more than those killed in all other countries combined. For 2023, the number murdered is estimated at over 7000. It’s the most dangerous country in the world for believers.
In North Korea, owning a Bible can get your family killed. Persecution is severe – among the world’s worst. If discovered, Christians face fatal consequences, included being killed on the spot or sent to brutal labor camps where survival rates are low. Authorities physically abuse those engaged in religious activities, including extended family members who aren’t believers.
In Pakistan, laws target religious minorities, with Christians disproportionately impacted. Accusations of blasphemy – even if false – lead to mob violence, bombings, lynching, prison, or death. Christian females face abduction, forced conversion to Islam, sexual violence, and marriage against their will. Courts accept coerced testimony against believers, who face widespread discrimination.
In Somalia, believers live in constant fear of violence, rape, or worse. Al-Shabab, a brutal Islamist group, wars with the government and controls large swaths of the country. Sharia law is enforced, with the goal of eradicating Christianity from Somalia – starting with Christian leaders. The persecution of believers also comes from within their families and communities.
In Sudan, followers of Jesus, particularly converts from Islam, battle serious hardship – including family backlash, forced displacement, and poverty. Due to this discrimination, the ongoing hunger crisis disproportionately affects Christians. Reports include sexual violence, imprisonment, and forced conversion. Christians face false charges, and parents lose their kids if there’s concern they might be raised as non-Muslim.
And yet … radio silence from most media outlets. No compelling headlines. No public protests. I’m not sure why.
I urge you to pay careful attention to Africa! Sub-Saharan Africa is now home to the largest number of Christians living anywhere on the planet. About 31% of the world’s Christ followers live in that important but often overlooked part of the world. For reference, contrast the 31% with 22% in Europe.
If you’re not already praying for these who are deeply loved by our God, please join me in making that a part of your regular routine. I’m asking the Lord to “blow through these countries with the wind of heaven” … and that the persecutors themselves will come to repentance and life-giving faith in the Son of God.
Pastor Charles
Leave a Reply