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6 Trends in Modern Christian Persecution

6 Trends in Modern Christian Persecution

Last updated on: April 10, 2025 at 11:10 am by Guest Contributor

6 Trends in Modern Christian Persecution 2025-04-10T11:10:16-04:00 Guest Contributor

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While Latin America isn’t typically associated with Christian persecution, Mexico (#31) stands out as the region’s most dangerous country for believers. Virgin of Guadalupe Pilgrims on Bicycles — state of Campeche, México. | Adam Jones, Ph.D., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

By Ryan Brown

Christians worldwide face increasing danger.

Violence is intensifying, government restrictions are tightening, and pressure on Christian communities continues to mount.

The newly released 2025 Open Doors World Watch List reveals where believers suffer most severely, and exposes disturbing global trends.

Here are six trends in the suffering and human rights abuses being suffered by Christians right now. Understanding these realities will help us pray more effectively for our persecuted family.

1. Rising Violence and Worsening Situations Around the World

The World Watch List, now in its 32nd year, is built on rigorous research and firsthand accounts. Violence against Christians has surged dramatically, especially in areas with weak governments or authoritarian regimes.

This violence has reshaped the rankings. Countries like Nigeria, Myanmar, and Burkina Faso have climbed higher as Christians face killings, kidnappings, and church attacks. Even in nations where persecution was already extreme, hostility has reached new heights.

Father, strengthen and comfort those suffering violence for following You.

2. Continued Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Extremist groups in Mali have driven huge numbers of Christians from their homes. In the town of Bankass, the local church was overwhelmed with displaced Christian families. Open Doors’ partners were able to provide 320 families with vital relief aid. | Image courtesy of Open Doors World Watch List 2025.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the deadliest region for Christians. Seven of the 10 most dangerous countries are there,

including Nigeria (#7), Democratic Republic of the Congo (#8) and Burkina Faso (#9). These nations suffer from jihadist violence, criminal networks, and governments unable or unwilling to protect Christians.

Nigeria stands out as one of the world’s deadliest places to follow Christ. In 2024 alone, extremists killed more than 4,000 Christians and abducted or displaced thousands more. Boko Haram, Fulani militants, and Islamic State West Africa Province continue targeting Christian communities while the Nigerian government fails to intervene effectively.

Open Doors’ Arise Africa campaign provides aid, trauma care and advocacy to persecuted believers across this troubled region. (You can sign the petition here.)

Lord, protect and sustain Your people in sub-Saharan Africa.

3. Churches Forced Underground

A Nigerian soldier observes the Nigerian bank of the Komadogou River, the river that separates the two countries, on February 29, 2016. The army is patrolling to secure the area against Boko Haram terrorists. | Image courtesy of Nicolas Pinault (VOA), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Religious repression is intensifying globally, forcing many Christian communities into hiding. In Algeria (#19), authorities have closed nearly all Protestant churches, leaving believers with no legal place to worship. Libya (#4), Afghanistan (#10), and China (#15) continue tightening restrictions on Christian gatherings.

China has dramatically expanded its digital surveillance of believers through social media monitoring, phone tracking, and facial recognition. Authorities regularly arrest church leaders and pressure congregations to register with state-controlled religious organizations. House churches increasingly operate in secret to avoid detection.

Meanwhile, the Israel-Hamas war has devastated Christian communities in Gaza and the West Bank. At least 33 Christians have been collateral casualties in Gaza, and the remaining believers face starvation, displacement or potential extinction. Many are fleeing the region altogether.

God, encourages those who worship in secrecy and isolation.

4. Authoritarianism in Central Asia

Repressive governments across Central Asia are tightening control over Christians. Kyrgyzstan (#47) saw the largest increase in persecution on this year’s World Watch List, with violence against Christians rising sharply. In Kazakhstan (#38), believers face intensified government surveillance and harsh restrictions on house churches and Christian literature.

Christian women and girls in the region face heightened risk, enduring forced marriages, abductions and sexual violence because of their faith. Converts from Islam often suffer disownment, beatings, or forced hiding by their own families.

Jesus, protect our brothers and sisters in Central Asia as their suffering increases.

5. Civil War and Instability Fuel Persecution

Yemen (#3) remains one of the hardest places to follow Christ, as lawlessness and Houthi control have made practicing faith nearly impossible. The photo is of St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Christian Church of Sanaa, Yemen. | Image courtesy of Mar Sharb, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Conflict-torn countries continue experiencing extreme Christian persecution. Yemen (#3) remains one of the hardest places to follow Christ, as lawlessness and Houthi control have made practicing faith nearly impossible. Authorities have shut down Christian gatherings, and believers risk arrest or execution.

Myanmar (#13) continues suffering under military rule, with Christian-majority regions targeted for bombings and destruction. The military has burned churches, arrested pastors, and displaced entire communities because of their faith. The junta increasingly views Christians as threats to their control.

O Father, bring peace and security to these war-torn nations.

6. Mexico: The Most Violent Country in Latin America

While Latin America isn’t typically associated with Christian persecution, Mexico (#31) stands out as the region’s most dangerous country for believers. Christian leaders who speak against corruption, drug cartels, and organized crime face routine threats, attacks, and murder.

Drug cartels view pastors and church leaders as obstacles to their power. Those refusing to cooperate with criminal groups often face violent retaliation, including kidnapping and execution.

Lord, protect Your Church in Mexico as they stand for righteousness.

A Call to Pray and Act

These trends remind us of the cost of following Christ in hostile regions. Despite this suffering, the Church continues to grow and believers remain faithful amid opposition. As we intercede for our persecuted brothers and sisters, we trust that God is working, bringing hope even in the darkest places.

Ryan Brown serves as president and CEO of Open Doors US, one of 25 national Open Doors International (ODI) bases located around the world. Founded in 1955, Open Doors has continued to serve persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries, and is known for its annual World Watch List, the ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

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About Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown serves as president and CEO of Open Doors US, one of 25 national Open Doors International (ODI) bases located around the world. Founded in 1955, Open Doors has continued to serve persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries, and is known for its annual World Watch List, the ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. You can read more about the author here.

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