It is difficult for us here in beautiful Charleston, the “Holy City,” to fathom the reality that there are 365 million brothers and sisters in our world who can lose their jobs, homes, and very lives just for believing in Christ or even owning a Bible. Yet we must not turn away from these horrific facts no matter how hard they are to think about. We must pray regularly for these brothers and sisters and support organizations who are able to help them.

According to Open Doors International and many other organizations, the persecution of Christians worldwide is worsening. Open Doors  works in 70 countries for the practical support of persecuted Christians and to provide research and advocacy on their behalf.

Open Doors reports that in 2023:

4,998 Christians were murdered (13 Christians killed every day––one every two hours)

3,906 believers were abducted

42,829 Christians were physically or mentally abused

14,766 Christian churches and properties were attacked, including hospitals and schools (a six-fold increase from the year before)

4,125 believers were detained

3, 200 Christian women were raped, sexually harassed, or forced to marry non-Christians

300,000 Christians forced to leave their homes, go into hiding, or flee their country or origin (twice as many as the year before)

Open Doors produces a World Watch List every year of the top 50 countries with high levels of persecution. To see a map, current statistics, and a short video with the top 10 countries with the worst persecution levels, visit opendoors.org/persecution/countries.

Through the World Missions Team, St Philip’s is committed to seeing that our church prays for and sends support to our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their faith.  One way we do this is by partnering with the Anglican Persecuted Church Network.

There are many good organizations that focus specifically on the persecuted Christians across our world.  Some others are Barnabas Aid, Voice of the Martyrs, and Global Christian Relief. 

Prayer for the persecuted from APCN: Almighty God, you taught us through your Son Jesus Christ that those who follow Him may be persecuted. We ask that you strengthen, comfort and encourage all those who suffer harassment, violence, imprisonment and even death for following Jesus. May the hearts of the persecutors be turned towards you through the faithful witness of those who are harmed. Protect the family members and church communities of those who are persecuted. And bless the work of all those who minister to relieve the suffering and who seek to be a voice for persecuted Christians. We offer these prayer today in the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.

The top 10 countries where Christians face extreme persecution:

10. Afghanistan

9. Iran

8. Sudan

7. Pakistan

6. Nigeria

5. Yemen

4. Eritrea

3. Libya

2. Somalia

1. North Korea