Report: 1 in 7 Christians Worldwide Facing Persecution for Their Faith

18.01.2025

A recent report from watchdog organisation Open Doors reveals that over 380 million Christians globally endured "high levels of persecution and discrimination" last year. The report highlights a growing trend of Christian persecution, with nearly 1 in 7 Christians facing harassment for their faith, and identifies North Korea as the most dangerous place for Christians.

The 2024 report from Open Doors notes that more Christians are forced to worship in secret. The number of Christians facing persecution has risen by 15 million since the previous year, bringing the total to over 380 million. Additionally, nearly 210,000 Christians were displaced from their homes due to their faith, seeking refuge either in hiding or in exile.

Persecution detailed in the report is categorised into two main types: lack of legal recognition or protection for Christians and persecution linked to displacement, often driven by violent conflict.

North Korea remains the most perilous country for Christians, topping Open Doors' list of the top 50 most dangerous countries for the 23rd consecutive year. The regime's strict control over religious expression has led to the prohibition of any religious practice outside state-sanctioned "show churches" in Pyongyang, which are used for propaganda purposes.

The report documents a further clampdown on religious practices in North Korea, leading to executions, imprisonment, forced labor, and other severe punishments for Christians. Despite these harsh conditions, Open Doors reports that approximately 100,000 North Korean Christians have been supported through secret networks, providing food, aid, shelter, and discipleship training via safe houses in China and radio broadcasts from outside the country.

Beyond North Korea, the report highlights Sub-Saharan Africa as the most violent region for Christians. The combination of weak governance and political tensions has allowed Islamic extremism to thrive, particularly in Nigeria, which is described as a displacement "epicenter" for Christians. Nigeria accounted for nearly half of the global total of 210,000 displaced Christians and saw 3,100 Christians killed for their faith in 2024, the highest number globally.

China, though only 15th on Open Doors' list, remains a significant concern due to its use of "digital persecution." The report outlines how surveillance technology is used against Christians, restricting their ability to worship freely and enforcing attendance at state-approved churches.

The report also points to severe persecution in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, where Christians face brutal forms of repression, including executions, torture, abductions, and forced marriages. Despite these threats, interest in underground Christian movements continues to grow, particularly among young people in Afghanistan.

The Open Doors report was launched at the Houses of Parliament in London, with over 100 MPs attending the event. The organisation called on the UK government to advocate for the protection of religious freedoms worldwide, emphasizing the need for aid to countries like Nigeria and Yemen to be tied to greater protections for Christian minorities.

"We urge the UK to stand up for Christians and others denied their fundamental rights because of their faith," Open Doors stated, pressing for stronger international efforts to defend religious freedom.