Although Christianity is one of the most practiced religions in the world, its followers are often victims of discrimination and violence. Christians face persecution in multiple nations. Global connectivity and awareness are key factors when it comes to understanding its causes and bringing attention to the distress Christians face in restricted nations.
What Makes Christianity Illegal in Restricted Countries?
While it depends on the country, many Christians are not allowed to worship in public or attempt to spread the gospel. Additionally, some countries prohibit individuals from owning a bible. Even in countries where the government doesn't support Christian oppression, there are regimes and extremist groups that persecute those who practice Christianity.
Factors and Examples of Christian Persecution in Restricted Nations
There are many examples of Christian persecution today that include suppression to practice religious freedom. In many restricted nations, laws and regulations are in place to restrict Christians from worshipping openly.
Christians frequently encounter violence and discrimination in restricted nations. Many churches have been vandalized or destroyed in restricted nations, and Christians are typically victims of physical assault. There have even been reports of torture and murder among Christians in restricted nations. In fact, it's been reported that countries, including North Korea and Iran, have imprisoned pastors for their faith in Christ.
Social exclusion is another example of how Christians are persecuted in restricted countries. Being denied higher education has been an issue Christians have faced in other countries. Christians in Libya are often socially excluded and unable to find work because of their faith. Christians in Yemen could be banished from their family or tribe and made to divorce their spouse. Non-Muslims in Yemen have been subjected to torture and killed by public beheading for their faith in Christ. In Nigeria, extremist groups force Christians into homelessness.
There are some countries with governments that support Christian oppression. The World Population Review reported 13 countries where Bibles are only deliverable by illegal operations. These countries include Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and more. In Eritrea, Christians are regularly subjected to state-sponsored surveillance because of their religion.
Where are Christians Being Persecuted?
According to the World Watch List 2023, an estimated 360 million Christians face persecution and discrimination for their faith in countries all over the world.
North Africa and Middle Eastern Nations
Nations across the Middle East and North Africa have seen an increase in Christian persecution. Christians have been attacked in Nigeria by organizations, such as Boko Haram, which have resulted in serious injuries and death. Additionally, countries including Egypt, Iraq, and Syria have been dangerous for those who believe in Christ. The 2022 World Watch List reported that Afghanistan is the most dangerous place to be a Christian.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where Christians are oppressed for their faith in Christ. Eritrea is a country in Africa with an abundance of Christians. However, if an individual doesn't belong to one of three denominations, which include Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, and Eritrean Orthodox, then the individual is considered illegal and faces prosecution. Additionally, Christians practising illegally in Eritrea have been imprisoned but never formally charged with a crime.
Asian Nations
Christians in many Asian countries face persecution. A report in Persecution Trends 2023 stated that China and North Korea are countries where Christians are often persecuted for their faith. Christian Index reported that North Korea has some of the highest levels of persecution. In addition, The Christian Index reported that China is introducing new rules and guidelines that restrict certain religious practices.
In addition, Cuba was ranked among the most dangerous places for Christians. This is because many Christians, which include leaders and activists, oppose communism in Cuba. The Hill reported that Cuba is noted for attacks against religious freedom, which are primarily focused on the Catholic Church.
Global Awareness and Action are Vital for Christians
Raising global awareness is a vital component when it comes to ending Christian persecution. Christian organizations and governments should put pressure on nations and stress the importance of human rights and religious freedom. Christians, governments, and organizations should work together to promote the right to practice Christianity without persecution.
