We live in a world that raises slogans of freedom of worship, but tear them apart on daily basis with increasing hatred, sectarian attacks and persecution. This is wrong and I believe such sectarian violence should come to an end some day. Yet, the latest annual accounting from Open Doors USA revealed that the world is only increasing persecution against Christians with 245 Million persecuted people this year compared to 215 Million last year.
The World Watch List 2019 reporting period showed that 4,136 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons, which means that on average 11 Christians were killed every day for their faith. 1.266 churches or Christian buildings were attacked. 2.625 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned.
The rise in the number of persecuted Christians in the top 50 countries is 14% on the World Watch List and sadly enough they experience high levels of persecution. The countries on top of the list where Christians suffer from extreme persecution are North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, India and Syria.
Since 1 in 9 Christians experience high levels of persecution worldwide, the lucky 8 Christians should not only be grateful and thankful, but also praying for the persecuted ones. Moreover, the whole world should be praying for peace and progress and working hard to spread love rather than hatred and division.
