The ministry Open Doors USA has compiled a list of countries where Christian persecution is most severe. Today, we’ll tell you about the top five.r
Christians in many places around the world face persecution for their faith but in a few, the persecution is severe and believer there needs our prayers.
Number 5 on the list is Sudan. Open Doors notes that in Sudan, Christian persecution is “systematic and reminiscent of ethnic cleansing.” Christians face frequent arrests and attacks by radical Muslims in the country.
Next is Pakistan where Christians are often persecuted under the country’s strict blasphemy laws which prescribe harsh punishments for anyone who disrespects Islam.
Third is Afghanistan where Christian converts also face harsh persecution. Families, friends, and communities often unite to exert pressure on the converts…some Christian converts are even forced to go to mental hospitals.
Number 2 is Somalia. According to the Pew Research Center, 99.8 percent of Somalians are Muslim. The small number of Christians in Somalia are often marginalized and persecuted.
And topping the list is North Korea. It is the only country in the top 10 that is not Muslim. Instead, North Korea’s totalitarian regime makes practicing Christian faith very risky. It is estimated that thousands of Christians are enslaved in North Korea’s labor camps. Reports have surfaced of the brutal torture some Christians face, such as being crucified or burned.