Christian persecution is growing globally

American Thinker ^ | 20 Jan, 2026 | Greg Richter

[MtnClimber]

Far from isolated incidents, persecution of Christians is now embedded in the political and social systems of dozens of countries.

hristianity Today recently published its overview of the 2026 Open Doors World Watch List, identifying the 50 countries where it is most dangerous to live openly as a Christian. While Christianity Today focuses on Syria, newly vaulted into the Top 10, the larger story is more global.

According to Open Doors, more than 388 million Christians now live under high levels of persecution or discrimination. That is roughly 1 in 7 believers worldwide. The trend is not driven by a single ideology or region but by a mix of fragile states, militant Islam, criminal networks and increasingly authoritarian governments.

The 10 most dangerous places to be a Christian in 2026 are:

1. North Korea

2. Somalia

3. Yemen

4. Sudan

5. Eritrea

6. Syria

7. Nigeria

8. Pakistan

9. Libya

10. Iran

Syria’s rise from No. 18 to No. 6 in one year reflects the collapse of centralized authority after the fall of the Assad regime and the resulting ability for jihadists to intimidate Christians. Christianity Today details church bombings, forced emigration and extortion in places like Damascus and Idlib. Still, Syria isn't an outlier.

In Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, violence against Christians has risen dramatically. Open Doors tracks not just pressure and discrimination but also physical violence, including killings, abductions and destruction of churches. The 20 countries where violence is most severe tell that story:

1. Mali

2. Sudan

3. Nigeria

4. Burundi

5. Pakistan

6. Myanmar

7. Niger

8. Syria

9. India

10. Burkina Faso

11. Central African Republic

12. Democratic Republic of Congo

13. Cameroon

14. Mozambique

15. Chad

16. South Sudan

17. Ethiopia

18. Mexico

19. Uganda

20. Kenya

Nigeria alone accounted for nearly 3,500

---

TOPICS: Society
KEYWORDS: islam

[MtnClimber]

They may need to start adding some blue states to that list.

[NeverTyranny]

My thought exactly.

[donozark]

Somalia at number 2. Does that include Somalia West? AKA Minnesota.

[MtnClimber]

West Somalia is the first state I think should be added.

[metmom]

Here’s a link from Jack Hibbs, the pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. He sees it coming and escalating here, too, and largely because of islamic activity.

“MY REACTION: Don Lemon Committed A Crime With BLM At A Minnesota Church” - Real Life with Jack Hibbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDWnXIN9j3A

It’s 30 minutes long with video clips of Don Lemon talking to the pastor of the church and Pastor Jack’s commentary.

[TonyM]

I think number 10 is about to become number 100!

[pas]

How many of those countries are on the UN organizations that are supposed to prevent this?

[Tell It Right]

How many of those countries are on the UN organizations that are supposed to prevent this?

Probably the best post on the thread.

[MtnClimber]

How many of those countries are on the UN organizations that are supposed to prevent this?

UN Human Rights Council

- African states: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana,Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia.

[daniel1212]

Increasing here for the few who actually live out the faith. Those born of the Spirit can pray for and with persecuted brethren: :

Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord. Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt. Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha. Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying. (Psalms 70; Psalms 40:14-17)

[daniel1212]

Ping to pray