More than 380 million Christians worldwide face persecution, report says

A believer praying before an icon. Photo: opendoors.org

In December 2025, the international Christian human rights organization Open Doors published its annual report, World Watch List 2025, documenting the growth of persecution against Christians worldwide. According to the report, more than 380 million believers face violence and discrimination because of their faith, Open Doors says.

The report lists 50 countries with the highest levels of pressure on Christians, where believers are subjected to workplace and educational discrimination, arrests, prison sentences, attacks on churches, and killings. According to the organization, in 2025 a total of 4,476 Christians were killed, 7,679 attacks on churches and Christian property were recorded, and 4,744 people were imprisoned. Overall, one in seven Christians worldwide faces persecution, while in Africa and Asia the figure has risen to one in five.

North Korea once again topped the ranking of anti-Christian violence, scoring 98 out of 100 points. Other countries cited as having the most severe conditions include Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. In sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for eight of the ten most dangerous countries for Christians, the surge in violence is linked to political instability and the activity of Islamist groups, forcing millions of believers to flee their homes.

At the same time, the report notes rare positive developments. In Indonesia and Colombia, a reduction in the most brutal forms of violence and in the number of killings of Christians was recorded, allowing these countries to improve their positions on the global watch list. Nevertheless, Open Doors stresses that overall the situation remains critical and requires sustained international attention.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a US congresswoman had called for withholding support from countries that persecute Christians.

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