(Scypre.com) – In 2025, the persecution of Christians has intensified globally, with over 380 million individuals facing discrimination, violence, or oppression due to their faith, according to the latest World Watch List by Open Doors. This alarming trend underscores a growing crisis in religious freedom across various regions.
Sub-Saharan Africa: This region remains one of the most perilous for Christians. Nigeria, ranked 7th on the World Watch List, has witnessed a surge in attacks by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. The Global Christian Relief’s 2025 Red List reported 9,814 Christian deaths in Nigeria alone during the reporting period. Additionally, Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict has led to increased violence against Christians, with over 7.7 million people internally displaced by mid-2024.
Asia: In North Korea, Christians face severe repression, with the country topping the World Watch List for the 23rd time. Myanmar’s civil unrest has escalated dangers for Christians, particularly ethnic minorities, leading to church burnings and pastor imprisonments. Bangladesh has also seen increased violence against Christians, with reports of church attacks and threats to believers.
Latin America: In Nicaragua, the government has intensified its crackdown on the Catholic Church, banning religious processions and forcing over 200 religious figures into exile. Priests remaining in the country face surveillance and financial hardships due to frozen bank accounts.
In Nigeria, communities have been devastated by attacks on churches, leading to mass displacements. Survivors recount harrowing experiences of violence and loss. In Myanmar, Christian minorities report targeted assaults by both military forces and extremist groups, resulting in destroyed places of worship and imprisoned clergy. These firsthand accounts highlight the dire circumstances faced by Christians in these regions.
Global organizations have expressed concern over the rising persecution. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has denounced Nicaragua’s actions against the Catholic Church. However, critics argue that international responses have been insufficient, calling for more robust measures to protect religious freedoms.
The escalation in Christian persecution has led to significant humanitarian crises, including mass displacements and refugee influxes. The erosion of religious freedoms not only affects individual believers but also undermines societal stability and human rights globally.
The increasing persecution of Christians worldwide in 2025 underscores the urgent need for international attention and action. Protecting religious freedom is paramount to ensuring human rights and maintaining global peace.