In 2023, nearly 14 Christians were killed each day, totaling 4,998 for the year, as a result of persecution for their faith, according to the 2024 World Watch List by Open Doors.
The 2024 World Watch List, released by Open Doors, presents a grim picture of the state of Christian persecution worldwide. An alarming fact stands out in this annual report: one in seven Christians across the globe faces persecution and discrimination for their faith. This year, the number of persecuted Christians has surged to a staggering five million, indicating a crisis that demands immediate global attention and action.
Rise of Islamic Terror and Autocratic Regimes
One of the most significant drivers of this persecution is the rise of Islamic terror. Muslims have unleashed a disturbing wave of violence targeting Christians, demonstrating their intolerance towards religious freedom. Additionally, autocratic regimes in certain regions have played a significant role in exacerbating the plight of Christians, subjecting them to violence, discrimination, and oppression solely because of their faith.
Top Ten Countries Where Christians Face the Most Peril
The report identifies the top ten countries where it is most challenging and dangerous to be a Christian:
1. North Korea Continues to be the most dangerous place for Christians. The country has tightened its border with China, making it harder for Christians to flee and for external support to reach them.
2. Somalia
3. Libya
4. Eritrea
5. Yemen
6. Nigeria: Noted as the deadliest country for Christians, with 82% of the global Christian killings occurring here.
7. Pakistan
8. Sudan
9. Iran
10. Afghanistan
Algeria and China: Emerging Concerns
Algeria has risen four places on the list, with a disturbing increase in persecution. Of 47 Protestant churches, only four remain open. China has also seen a crackdown, with at least 10,000 churches closed in 2023 and increased digital surveillance on Christians.
Alarming Global Statistics
In 2023, on average, thirteen Christians were killed every day for their faith, totaling 4,998 murdered Christians. The number of attacks on churches and Christian properties, including schools and hospitals, has exploded, with 14,766 incidents reported in 2023—a seven-fold increase from the previous year.
Sub-Saharan Africa: A Region of Intense Violence
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of violence against Christians. Political instability, war, and extremism have created a perilous situation for Christians, with Islamic groups like al-Qaeda and Boko Haram operating with impunity. Nigeria alone accounted for nine out of ten religiously motivated murders.
The Rising Trend of Violence and Displacement
In 2023, the number of Christians displaced due to persecution more than doubled, with around 295,000 Christians forced from their homes. In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 16.2 million Christians out of 34.5 million displaced people are Christians. This displacement often leaves believers more vulnerable than other displaced groups.
Comprehensive Global Overview
The World Watch List reports that over 365 million Christians live in nations with high levels of persecution or discrimination. This includes 1 in 5 believers in Africa, 2 in 5 in Asia, and 1 in 16 in Latin America. For the first time in three decades, all 50 nations on the list scored high enough to register as “very high” persecution levels. The list also notes the entrance of Syria and Saudi Arabia into the tier of “extreme” persecution.
Methodology and Long-Term Trends
The list, covering the period from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023, is compiled from grassroots reports by Open Doors workers in over 60 countries and audited by the International Institute for Religious Freedom. Since its first issue in 1993, the number of countries requiring monitoring for Christian persecution has expanded from 40 to 78.
Hope Amidst the Turmoil
Despite the dire circumstances, there are glimpses of hope. Nations like Colombia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Turkey have shown improvements. Constitutional changes in Mali and in Karnataka, India, suggest the potential for better religious freedom in the future.
Conclusion
The 2024 World Watch List serves as a stark reminder of the escalating persecution of Christians globally. It underscores the need for immediate and concerted efforts to address this growing crisis and support the millions suffering due to their faith. This report is not just a collection of statistics but a call to the international community to recognize and respond to the severe challenges Christians face in various parts of the world.
News Link: https://rairfoundation.com/alarming-surge-persecution-nearly-14-christians-martyred-daily/
