5 million more persecuted believers in 2023
from The Christian Institute:
The global persecution of Christians continues to rise, Open Doors has reported.
According to the organisation’s annual World Watch List, over 365 million believers face persecution – up 5 million on 2022.
Across the world, one in seven Christians still experiences hostility, with 4,998 Christians killed for their faith last year, the majority – 90 per cent – in Nigeria.
‘There is hope’
Speaking at the report’s parliamentary launch, Open Doors CEO Henrietta Blyth suggested that “under the cover of chaos” in sub-Saharan Africa, violence against Christians had “intensified”.
Referring to Nicaragua, which has climbed 20 places in the list, and China, where 10,000 churches were closed last year, she observed: “Elsewhere, the noose is tightening around the church’s neck as autocratic governments increase their control.”
Blyth told the gathered parliamentarians: “The World Watch List paints a grim picture. But there is hope. Prayer and action work.”
“Despite all the opposition, more and more people are coming to faith in Jesus and churches continue to be a force for good in the communities they serve.”
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