Islamic Extremism Remains Top Driver in Persecution of Christians Across Globe, Says Open Doors

Apr 21, 2018 by Jill

By Leah MarieAnn Klett , Christian Post:

While the Islamic State has largely been driven out of Iraq and Syria, various Islamic extremist groups remain the largest persecutors of Christians around the world, according to a new report from Open Doors USA.

The Christian organization recently released a list highlighting some of the greatest human rights offenders toward Christians, noting that 215 million believers face intimidation, prison — even death — for their faith in Jesus Christ across the globe.

“Islamic oppression” was overwhelmingly identified as the top driver of Christian persecution, with the majority of the groups identified by Open Doors falling under the umbrella of Islamic extremism.

“Islamic Oppression is one of the most widely recognized sources of persecution for Christians in the world today — and it continues to spread — aiming to bring many parts of the world under Sharia law,” says Open Doors. “The movement, which often results in Islamic militancy and persecution of Christians, is expanding in Asia (Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia) and Africa (Egypt, Nigeria, Somalia).”

After killing and displacing thousands of Christians in Iraq and Syria over a span of three years, IS lost its last stronghold in Iraq in late 2017. However, the group isn’t finished with its reign over terror, says Open Doors, as it’s now spreading to Southeast Asia.

Read here