MY ACCOUNT
Though it may seem impossible in our modern era, a great number of Christians are killed for their faith worldwide. Globally, the levels of persecution that believers face have been rising since 2014. In 2022 alone, thousands of Christians lost their lives for their faith.
Whether from Islamic extremism, political oppression or turbulent unrest in the region, our brothers and sisters are in danger. As Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Who did Jesus mean by ‘the least of these?’ That would certainly include our persecuted brethren worldwide. As you learn about these dangerous countries where persecution is rampant, remember to do your part to make change worldwide.
What is it like for Christians living in countries in the world where Christians are persecuted?
Infamous terror groups like Boko Haram and Jamaah Ansharut Daulah have wreaked horrific violence on Christians worldwide. Christian populations in the Middle East are drastically declining. Christians elsewhere are bombed, imprisoned, kidnapped or even killed for their faith.
The 10 most dangerous countries for the Christian faith
Our 2025 GCR Red List reveals the top 25 countries where faith in Christ can be a death sentence. In just these 25 countries, many millions of Christians face very high to extreme levels of persecution.
The State is the primary persecutor of Christianity in North Korea because they classify Christians as “hostile.” The hostile class faces significant disadvantages in access to food, education and employment.
Christian persecution in North Korea is absolute and extreme. Christians cannot live freely without a labor camp or death sentence.
Hundreds of Christians in Somalia face persecution from the Islamic majority. Most Christians in Somalia are converts from Islam. A powerful militant group threatens their lives. No area is safe for believers and violence continues to increase.
During the Qaddafi era, a period marked by authoritarian rule, state-controlled ideology and pervasive surveillance, the government encouraged citizens to report on each other to maintain control and suppress dissent. This created a climate of deep mistrust and profound suspicion among the country’s citizens. It also created a complex atmosphere of Christian persecution in Libya.
Since 2011, Libya has been a collection of city-states, each with its own militia, some of which are jihadist. This context makes for the exploitation of some persecuted Christians, especially those of Muslim heritage. Believers are vulnerable to extremist groups and even community or family members.
Since 2002, all independent churches in Eritrea have been on an “enemies of the state” list. In subsequent years Eritrea became notorious for jailing thousands of persecuted Christians in the jungle. Christians remain sealed off from the rest of the world. Sending assistance from abroad is virtually impossible.
Because of its authoritarian government, folks call Eritrea the “North Korea of Africa.” Those who do not follow state-sanctioned and state-controlled Christian denominations are at risk of extreme persecution.
Yemen’s civil war dominates all aspects of life. However, the church has become an effective distribution network of aid. Sadly, Yemeni law mandates the death penalty for apostasy, so the Christian community remains low profile. Some have been tortured and murdered.
Nigeria is the world’s center of Christian martyrs. In many years, the number of Christians killed by extremist groups is more than the rest of the world combined.
Islamic militants and armed bandits persecute Nigerian Christians with abandon, especially in the north. More believers die for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. Violence, oppression and sexual discrimination also affect Christians in Nigeria.
In Pakistan, violence against Christians has escalated. Believers are often treated as second-class citizens within their own country. Pakistani Christians live under the constant threat of being falsely accused of blasphemy. This charge can lead to a death sentence.
Believers are targeted overtly and subtly with abduction, abuse, discrimination and forced conversions. Churches are frequent targets for bombings.
In Sudan, a civil war is being fought over the division of wealth, but Christians have nevertheless been hurt by the fighting. Even if a peace treaty comes to pass, most Christians do not believe much will improve in the country itself.
Sudan’s brutal civil war has killed and displaced many, with numerous human rights violations reported. Churches are frequent targets of destruction and violence and Christians fear violence from their communities.
Religious freedom does not exist for Christians in Iran. Emigration of Christians in Iran is on-going, with an estimated 10,000 leaving each year. For those of Muslim heritage, the pattern of Christian persecution in Iran varies by location.
In major cities, the state is the persecutor. In rural areas, families and local communities are usually to blame. For all, there is denial of the right to open, public worship with fellow disciples.
For Christians who converted from Islam, publicly affirming their faith in Afghanistan has always been in danger. Since the return of the Taliban on August 15, 2021, it is even more dangerous. The Taliban regime believes that formally converting from Islam to Christianity deserves the death penalty.
Their threats are fierce. Christians in Afghanistan are forced to keep their faith underground. They fear detention, torture or even a death sentence.
Support for Christians facing religious persecution
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right that many countries deny to their Christian residents. These believers are integral parts of God’s family. Every Christian must show support to their persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide. You can demonstrate your support in multiple ways.
Staying aware of unfolding events is crucial. The International Institute for Religious Freedom’s Violent Incidents Database tracks global episodes of violent persecution. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom also posts regular updates on the topic.
Help the countries where Christians are persecuted today
Our mission is to create a movement of prayer and support for persecuted Christians so they can be a light for the Gospel in their communities. The focus of our work has two important outcomes:
- Support persecuted Christians around the world.
Wherever there’s a need, GCR mobilizes its network to help sustain the Body of Christ.
This includes:
- Emergency medical aid
- Food kits
- Safe houses
- Legal aid
- Vocational training
- Microloans
- Programs for children
- Bibles
- Discipleship training
- Pastoral training
- And more
- Awaken the U.S. Church to the stories and needs of their suffering family.
Today, there’s a lack of understanding and awareness in the U.S. Church about persecution. Our goal is to inform every American Christian about the reality of persecution. We hope to inspire them to step into the story of the global Church.
Now that your eyes are open, you also have a responsibility. Support the millions of Christians enduring extreme persecution worldwide.
