Study: In 2021, 5,898 Christians died for their faith

In 2021, more than 360 million Christians were persecuted in their communities and 5,898 died for their faith. These are the findings of the World Watch List report published by Open Doors' World Watch Research group. The report is based on monitoring the religious situation in 50 countries where there are obstacles to the practice of Christianity.

According to the report, 6,175 Christians have been detained, arrested, convicted or imprisoned and 3,829 have been abducted. The Algerian government has closed 13 churches and intends to close seven more. In Iraq, the Christian community has decreased from 1.4 million people in 2003 to less than 250, 000.

In India, radical Hinduism is gaining ground, with many states passing laws restricting conversions. This has caused an increase in violence against Christians. The picture is the same in neighbouring Myanmar.

In Nigeria, almost 100 million Christians are being repressed by the government and attacked by the terrorist Islamist group Boko Haram, as well as other radical Islamic organisations.

As reported, Christianophobia has also risen sharply in Europe. 

Read also

EU officials discuss UOC persecution with experts in Brussels

Two expert–level discussions on the state of religious freedom in Ukraine were held in the EU.

WHO urges securing equal access to IVF for same-sex couples

WHO’s new recommendations substantially broaden the concept of infertility and open the door to widespread use of assisted reproduction, including for same-sex couples and transgender individuals.

In Kniazhychi, brotherhood defends their monastery from seizure

Parishioners and the brotherhood of the UOC Transfiguration Monastery in Kniazhychi succeeded in defending their sacred site from the attempts of security forces and raiders.

UOC Primate congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20 years of episcopal ordination

The Primate of the UOC sent greetings to Metropolitan Arseniy on the anniversary of his personal Pentecost.

UGCC urges faithful to be ready to lay down their lives for Ukraine

The UGCC hierarchs have published a letter to the faithful urging them to cleanse the country of Soviet methods of governance, military organization, and economic management.

Condition of Metropolitan Theodosiy shows first signs of recovery

For the first time since his hospitalization, the health indicators of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy have begun to improve.