10 Most Dangerous Countries for Christians

Martyrdom is very real today

For the 12th consecutive year the renegade Communist country of North Korea remains the world’s most restrictive nation in which to practice Christianity. However, elsewhere a major trend was a marked increase in persecution for Christian communities in countries that are commonly regarded as “failed.” A failed country is defined “as a weak state where social and political structures have collapsed to the point where government has little or no control” – such as Somalia where the country is run by warlords who control neighbourhoods. Worldwide, the force driving persecution of Christians in 36 of the top 50 countries is Islamic extremism.

Martyrdom is very real today

Somalia ranks #2 on the World Watch List. Christians in Somalia primarily consist of Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds. Oppression of Christians in Somalia is rated as “Extreme Persecution.” The line between Islamic extremism and organized corruption in Somalia is not easy to draw. Islamic religious leaders and government officials publicly affirm that there is no room for Christians. The militant Islamist terrorist group, al-Shabaab, uses its presence in various parts of the country to radicalize communities at the expense of Christianity, targeting individual Christians in particular. The situation in Somalia continues to be very difficult for Christians.

Martyrdom is very real today

Nearly half of rebels fighting in Syria have a jihadist or hardline Islamist background. As the conflict is becoming more and more sectarian, targeted violence against Christians has increased. In fact, the Syrian opposition is increasingly “Islamizing.” With the civil war, Syria’s society is derailed in such a way that pressure for every Syrian citizen is high. Within this context of war and with the rising influence of Islamic jihadists in the opposition forces, Christians have become an increasingly vulnerable group, facing increasing faith-related pressure in all spheres of life. Open Doors has received reports of many Christians being abducted, physically harmed and killed. Within the context of civil war, many churches are deliberately damaged or destroyed. If the conflict results in a take-over by an Islamic extremist group, the situation will even be worse for Christians and other minority groups.

Martyrdom is very real today

Afghanis are deeply entrenched in their families, villages, tribes and own people. If someone dares to turn from his tribe and age-old values to embrace something new and maybe even seen as foreign, it results in high pressure to return to tradition or otherwise be branded a traitor and excluded from the community. This applies to all “deviations” but even more so if someone turns to Christianity. The Christian religion is still considered to be a Western religion and hostile to Afghan culture, society and Islam. It is unlikely that the situation for Christians will improve in the near future. The withdrawal of the international forces in 2014 will probably lead to a new phase in which the current regime will have to deal with the threat of the Taliban, as well as the different ethnic factions in the country.

Martyrdom is very real today

There are some Saudi converts from Islam who live their faith in God in secret. There are no provisions for religious freedom in the kingdom’s constitution or basic laws, and anti-religious sentiments are strong throughout society. The legal system is based on Sharia law, and conversion to another religion is punishable by death. Evangelizing Muslims and the distribution of Christian literature, such as Bibles, and other non-Muslim literature is illegal. believers also run the great risk of honor killing if their family or community discovers their faith. During 2013, several Christian migrant fellowships were raided by the police and the religious police. Some worshippers were detained and deported.

Martyrdom is very real today

A literally devastating blow showing the growing extremism in Pakistan was the twin bombing attack on Anglican All Saints Church in Peshawar, leaving 89 church worshippers dead. Women and girls are especially vulnerable and easy targets for rape and sexual abuse. They are easy prey, and considered to be inferior. Frequently, they are poor, depending on landlords and employers. Even if they would dare to file a complaint with police or a court case, they would not receive justice. Sexual assaults against underage Christian girls by Muslim men continue to be reported. Catholic NGOs estimate at least 700 Christian girls are kidnapped and forced to convert to Islam every year.

Martyrdom is very real today

Iran. Islam is the official religion, and all laws must be consistent with the official interpretation of Sharia law. Almost all Christian activity is illegal, especially when it occurs in Persian languages. Christians continue to be seen as a threat by the regime as their numbers are growing, and allegedly even children of political and spiritual leaders are leaving Islam for Christianity. There is relatively less pressure on historical ethnic Christian minorities as the Armenian and Assyrian, as long as they do not evangelize Muslims. Any Muslim who leaves Islam faces the death penalty, and church services are monitored by the secret police. Although they are guaranteed religious freedom, Christians experience imprisonment, physical abuse, harassment and discrimination. Meanwhile, curiosity and interest in Christianity (and in other non-Islamic religions) is growing continuously among Iranian Muslims who are disillusioned with Iran’s state-sponsored Shi’ism.

Martyrdom is very real today

#10 on the list: Yemen This Arab nation's constitution declares that Islam is the state religion and Sharia is the source of all legislation. Evangelism is prohibited. If conversion to Christianity is known, Muslim Background Believers do not only face strong persecution from authorities, but also from family and other parts of society. They are not allowed to have their own gatherings, so they meet in secret locations. Members of family, society and extremist Islamic groups threaten “apostates” with death if they do not revert to Islam. Threats from family, society and extremist groups against them are very serious, and indigenous Christians have been killed for their faith in the past. Due to this risk, many have had to go into hiding in-country, or even flee the country.