Religion, which should most distinguish us from the beasts, and ought most particularly elevate us, as rational creatures, above brutes, is that wherein men often appear most irrational, and more senseless than beasts.
- John Locke, Essay on Human Understanding, Book IV, Ch. 18-
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Knowing that power, especially in times of corruption, makes men wanton; that it intoxicates the mind; and unless those with whom it is entrusted, are carefully watched, such is the weakness or the perverseness of human nature, they will be apt to domineer over the people, instead of governing them, according to the known laws of the state, to which alone they have submitted.
If he finds, upon the best enquiry, the want of ability or integrity; that is, an ignorance of, or a disposition to depart from, the constitution, which is the measure and rule of government & submission, he will point them out, and loudly proclaim them: He will stir up the people, incessantly to complain of such men, till they are either reform’d, or remov’d from that sacred trust, which it is dangerous for them any longer to hold.
Philanthrop may tell us of the hazard “of disturbing and inflaming the minds of the multitude whose passions know no bounds”: A traitor to the constitution alone can dread this: The multitude I am speaking of, is the body of the people – no contemptible multitude – for whose sake government is instituted; or rather, who have themselves erected it, solely for their own good – to whom even kings and all in subordination to them, are strictly speaking, servants and not masters.
The constitution and its laws are the basis of the public tranquility – the firmest support of the public authority, and the pledge of the liberty of the citizens: But the constitution is a vain Phantom, and the best laws are useless, if they are not religiously observed. The nation ought then to watch, and the true patriot will watch very attentively, in order to render them equally respected, by those who govern, and the people destin’d to obey.
To violate the laws of the state is a capital crime; and if those guilty of it, are invested with authority, they add to this crime, a perfidious abuse of the power with which they are entrusted: "The nation therefore, the people, ought to suppress those abuses with their utmost care & vigilance" – This is the language of a very celebrated author, whom I dare say, Philanthrop is well acquainted with, and will acknowledge to be an authority.
Samuel Adams, article signed “VINDEX”, Boston Gazette, January 21, 1771
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| Score: | 58 / 100 |
| Region: | Middle East |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | High |
| Population: | 9,398,000 |
| Christians: | 1,206,000 |
| Main Religion: | Islam |
| Government: | Federation of Monarchies |
| Leader: | President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
There is a sharp contrast in the level of persecution faced by different groups of Christians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirati society is fairly tolerant towards expatriate Christian communities and allows them to worship relatively freely. Converts to Christianity from Islam face the majority of persecution in the country, and they experience a great deal of pressure to recant their faith, both from their immediate families and society as a whole. While the government technically promotes religious tolerance, its promotion of Islam contributes to Christian persecution.
Depending on their backgrounds, different Christians in the UAE experience varying degrees of persecution. While expatriate Christian communities are relatively free to practice their faith, they also face restrictions. They are free to worship and practice their faith in private but are prohibited from expressing their faith, worshiping, preaching or praying in public. Proselytization of any sort is illegal, so Christians must exercise caution and self-restraint when interacting with Muslims. Meanwhile, converts from Islam often fear to reveal their conversion. Because most converts keep their faith a secret, we have few reports of Christians being killed or physically harmed for their faith.
In January 2016, local authorities arrested and deported three non-citizens accused of “preaching a religion other than Islam” in the emirate of Sharjah.
The government forces the country’s two primary internet service providers to block websites that are critical of Islam or dedicated to other religious topics.
Here are seven popular resort destinations that rank high on the 2018 World Watch List of the 50 toughest countries… + READ MORE
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| Score: | 59 / 100 |
| Region: | Latin America |
| Persecution Type: | Organized Crime and Corruption |
| Persecution Level: | High |
| Population: | 130,223,000 |
| Christians: | 124,869,000 |
| Main Religion: | Christianity |
| Government: | Federal Presidential Republic |
| Leader: | President Enrique Peña Nieto |
The strong presence of corruption at all levels of the Mexican government has resulted in various forms of persecution in the country due to a lack of protections for Christians. Criminal groups attack priests and pastors, while indigenous leaders attack converts to Christianity. In recent years, the secular ideology has become more prominent in the country, and associated groups are intent on eliminating religious expression in the public domain altogether. While the Roman Catholic Church continues to enjoy certain privileges, Christian groups are being disadvantaged, especially newer movements such as Pentecostalism and the Catholic Renewal Movement.
Believers in Mexico experience varying degrees and forms of Christian persecution. Secular intolerance affects all Christians who publically express their religious convictions, resulting in harassment, criticism and ridicule. In the regions they control, criminal groups persecute believers and churches, issuing death threats and murdering Christian leaders to silence them. These groups view Christian ministry as a threat to the criminal agenda. Meanwhile, indigenous Christians are often punished for abandoning tribal customs, resulting in expulsion from their homes. And Christian denominations outside the Roman Catholic Church experience pressure and discrimination as minorities.
In 2017, Christian converts from the indigenous communities of Chiapas and Jalisco faced economic sanctions, denial of access to basic services, and expulsion from their communities.
In June 2017, a Roman Catholic priest was killed in a church in Los Reyes La Paz in the State of Mexico. Since President Enrique Peña took office in 2012, 18 priests have been murdered.
In July 2017, the Mexican National Council for the Prevention of Discrimination (CONAPRED) officially declared that reorientation therapies for homosexuals (like those run by the Christian-based organization Exodus Latin America) are violent and discriminatory, making them unavailable to Christians who would choose to use them.
In Mexico, church leaders are targeted because of their church's restorative work with the community--seen by drug cartels as a hindrance to their… + READ MORE
Here are seven popular resort destinations that rank high on the 2018 World Watch List of the 50 toughest countries… + READ MORE
Over the next month, we can look to these seven countries on the World Watch List as reminders to pray… + READ MORE
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| Score: | 59 / 100 |
| Region: | Asia |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | High |
| Population: | 263,510,000 |
| Christians: | 31,925,000 |
| Main Religion: | Islam |
| Government: | Presidential Republic |
| Leader: | Joko Widodo |
Political, cultural and religious forces all contribute to the Christian persecution in this Southeast Asian country. Conservative Muslim political parties and radical Islamic pressure groups exert great influence, resulting in Sharia (Islamic law)-inspired policies and public opinion that opposes Christianity. These groups have the ability to mobilize hundreds of thousands of people, as they did when they protested against Jakarta Christian governor “Ahok” for alleged blasphemy between September 2016 and May 2017. While the government has announced plans to tighten the country’s blasphemy laws, most problems for believers occur on the local level in confrontations with radical Islamic groups.
While violent persecution affects only a small percentage of Christians in Indonesia, the overall situation for believers has deteriorated in recent years. This is especially true in hot spots like West Java, where radical Islamic groups are powerful, exerting heavy influence on society and politics. These radical groups cause problems for churches that proselytize Muslims and often pressure government officials to ignore applications for construction of church buildings. Meanwhile, converts from Islam usually face persecution from their own families, particularly in the form of isolation and verbal abuse.
There have been several reports of converts to Christianity being detained by their families without means of communication. In most of these cases, the victims have been isolated for several weeks. Some converts have even been expelled from their homes.
Children of Christians are often ostracized and verbally abused. In some regions, Muslim families forbid their children from playing with Christian friends, labeling them as “infidels.” Christian children are sometimes mocked by Islamic teachers and are forced to sit in the back of the classroom.
In November 2016, an attacker threw a Molotov cocktail (a crude grenade) into Oikumene Church in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, killing a two-year-old girl and wounding three other children under the age of four.
In May 2017, “Ahok,” the Christian governor of Jakarta, was sentenced to two years in prison for an allegedly blasphemous comment he made in September 2016.
Three bombs exploded across three churches in Indonesia's Surabaya, capital of East Java province, on Sunday morning. + READ MORE
This Mother's Day, pray with women who are raising their families with courage and resilient faith. + READ MORE
Last week we reported that Harun, a new believer in Indonesia, was facing a difficult trial. After having turned… + READ MORE
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| Score: | 59 / 100 |
| Region: | Africa |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | High |
| Population: | 18,690,000 |
| Christians: | 413,000 |
| Main Religion: | Islam |
| Government: | Semi-presidential Republic |
| Leader: | President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita |
While Malians have traditionally practiced a relatively tolerant version of Islam, over the past few years the West African country has become increasingly militant and intolerant. In the northern part of the country especially, this intolerance has resulted in intense Christian persecution. In 2012 militant Islamic groups, aided by foreign fighters linked to al-Qaeda, took over a significant portion of the northern region, and their influence is still felt though most have been expelled. In addition to these groups’ radicalization of the Muslim population, ongoing insurgency still poses a threat to Christian believers.
When radical Islamic militant groups took control of the northern part of the country in 2012, churches were burned down and Christians had to flee. After losing their homes and having their churches destroyed, these displaced believers are still affected. Although some Christians and congregations have returned to the north under police protection, they still live under the threat of attack by Islamist militants. Evangelistic activities are especially risky, often leading to attacks. Christian missionaries operating in the country live under the constant threat of abduction, while Christians from Muslim backgrounds face violence and pressure from relatives and family members if their conversion to Christianity is discovered.
In 2016 and 2017, three foreign Christian missionaries were kidnapped in separate incidents by different Islamic groups.
In November 2016, suspected Islamic militants shot and killed Moussa Issah Bary, the Christian deputy mayor of Kerana (city near the Burkina Faso border). Bary was a rare example of a Christian member of the predominantly Muslim Fulani ethnic group.
For one Christian widow in Mali, the agendas of both non-violent and violent Islamic groups have shaped much of her… + READ MORE
August 14, eight people were killed in Mali during two separate attacks, seven at the UN mission in the ancient… + READ MORE
Gloria Argoti Cecilia Narvaez Argoti, 56, a nurse and Franciscan nun, was kidnapped by self-proclaimed jihadists in southern Mali. + READ MORE
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| Score: | 61 / 100 |
| Region: | Africa |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | Very High |
| Population: | 5,099,000 |
| Christians: | 3,772,000 |
| Main Religion: | Christianity, Islam |
| Government: | Presidential Republic |
| Leader: | President Faustin-Archange Touadéra |
While the Central African Republic (CAR) is a country with a Christian majority, there is a significant Muslim minority, particularly in the northeastern part of the country. In a civil war that began in 2013, the militant Séléka group has mobilized Muslims who have been historically marginalized, fighting against the anti-Balaka militant group comprised of animists and nominal Christians. This conflict has been a source of Christian persecution for those of faith who face threats and attacks mainly from the Séléka, but also from the anti-Balaka. These attacks mainly target churches and pastors. In addition to this sectarian violence, Christians from Muslim backgrounds also face significant pressure from their Muslim families and communities as a result of their faith.
The conflict in CAR has resulted in violence and atrocities towards Christians at the hands of militant groups on both sides of the conflict. Gathering for worship is dangerous, as church buildings are sometimes burned and ransacked. Numerous church leaders have been violently attacked. Thousands of Christians have been displaced as a result of the conflict, forced to relocate to camps and relinquish their livelihoods. Meanwhile, converts from Christianity also experience persecution at the hands of their immediate family members and local communities. These converts are often ostracized and violently pressured to renounce Christianity.
There have been numerous reports of Christians being attacked by militant groups. In September 2016, members of the Séléka militia assaulted and robbed a group of 15 pastors who were conducting a seminar. They then looted the church as well. This happened just a day after the Séléka looted two Catholic churches and killed nine people in the town of Kaga Bandoro.
In October 2016, Séléka militants attacked and killed 23 Christians in Kaga Bandoro, displacing 14,000 others in the process.
In February 2017, a pastor in the capital city of Bangui was killed and his church demolished. This took place in the PK5 neighborhood, known to be the site of the worst conflict in the city.
Our church family in the Central African Republic (CAR,No. 35 on the 2018 World Watch List.) urgently asks for our… + READ MORE
Across the world’s second-largest continent, Christians are under fire right now in West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and now… + READ MORE
Countless people have been traumatized by the violence engulfing the Central African Republic (CAR). Christians faced brutal victimization through murder,… + READ MORE
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| Score: | 61 / 100 |
| Region: | Middle East |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | Very High |
| Population: | 4,100,000 |
| Christians: | 425,000 |
| Main Religion: | Islam |
| Government: | Constitutional Monarchy |
| Leader: | Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah |
In Kuwait, Christians experience persecution at all levels of society, including government, local communities and even their families. Because no religion aside from Islam is considered an acceptable faith, life for Christians is dangerous, especially for Christian converts. Kuwaiti society is bound by conservative Islamic norms, and these norms are enforced by ordinary citizens, radical Islamic groups and a government that bows to the demands of radical groups so long as the government maintains its power base. Constitutionally, religious freedom is provided for as long as it doesn’t violate Islamic rules and customs–leaving little space for Christians to live out their lives in the public sphere.
While all Christians experience faith-related restrictions in Kuwait, expatriate Christians are relatively free to worship informally. However, they have a difficult time securing places for worship and are often pitted against each other to gain access to church buildings for legal worship. Meanwhile, converts from Islam endure the worst Christian persecution, both from their local communities and family members pressuring them to recant their faith. They experience discrimination, harassment, police surveillance and intimidation by vigilante groups, as well as legal problems related to personal status and property. Despite this persecution, reports of Christians being killed, imprisoned or harmed for their faith are rare.
In all state and private schools, the government mandates Islamic religious instruction for all students. Teaching Christianity is prohibited, even to legally recognized Christian groups.
Amnesty International recently highlighted Kuwait’s tightened restrictions surrounding the freedom of expression, particularly in the form of a new cybercrime law that penalizes criticism of the government, judiciary and other key groups with up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
In the same report, Amnesty International also noted that the Kuwaiti parliament recently approved an electronic media law regulating all online publications–including news sources, social media and blogs–forcing them to get a government license to operate.
Jamal has seen an increasing Islamic fundamentalist influence on his country in the last few years especially, much in part… + READ MORE
Friday, October 7th, Moroccans will take to the polls. This is an important time, as it can change the way… + READ MORE
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Our late worthy and munificent president having, since the last anniversary of the society, been removed to a better state, the board of managers were pleased to elect me to succeed him: and that the state of my health might cease to be an objection, they have also dispensed with my personal attendance. For the honour they have done me by both these marks of attention, it gives me pleasure to express my sincere and grateful acknowledgments. With equal sincerity I assure the society that, although restrained from active services by long-continued maladies and the increasing infirmities of age, my attachment to this institution, and my desire to promote the attainment of its great and important objects, remain undiminished.
Those great and important objects have, on former anniversaries of this and similar societies, been so comprehensively and eloquently elucidated by gentlemen of signal worth and talents, as that it would neither be a necessary nor an easy task to give them additional illustration. So interesting, however, are the various topics which bear a relation to the purposes for which we have associated, that it cannot be useless, nor, on these occasions, unseasonable, to reiterate our attention to some of them.
There is reason to believe that the original, and the subsequent fallen, state of man, his promised redemption from the latter, and the institution of sacrifices having reference to it, were well known to many of every antediluvian generation. That these great truths were known to Noah, appears from the Divine favour he experienced; from his being a preacher of righteousness; and from the time and the description of the sacrifices which he offered. That he carefully and correctly communicated this knowledge to his children, is to be presumed from his character and longevity.
After the astonishing catastrophe at Babel, men naturally divided into different associations, according to their languages; and migrating into various regions, multiplied into distinct nations. Tradition, doubtless, still continued to transmit these great truths from generation to generation; but the diminution of longevity, together with the defects and casualties incident to tradition, gradually rendered it less and less accurate. These important truths thus became, in process of time, disfigured, obscure, and disregarded. Custom and usage continued the practice of sacrifices, but the design of their institution ceased to be remembered. Men “sought out many inventions,” and true religion was supplanted by fables and idolatrous rites. Their mythology manifests the inability of mere human reason, even when combined with the learning of Egypt, and the philosophy of Greece and Rome, to acquire the knowledge of our actual state and future destiny, and of the conduct proper to be observed in relation to both.
By the merciful interposition of Providence, early provision was made for preserving these great truths from universal oblivion; and for their being ultimately diffused throughout the world. They were communicated to Abraham. He was also favoured with additional information relative to the expected redemption, and with a promise that the Redeemer should be of his family. That family was thenceforth separated and distinguished from others, and on becoming a nation, was placed under theocratic government. To that family and nation, the Divine oracles and revelations were committed; and such of them as Infinite Wisdom deemed proper for the future instruction of every nation, were recorded and carefully preserved. By those revelations, the promise and expectation of redemption were from time to time renewed, and sundry distinctive marks and characteristic circumstances of the Redeemer predicted. The same merciful Providence has also been pleased to cause every material event and occurrence respecting our Redeemer, together with the gospel he proclaimed, and the miracles and predictions to which it gave occasion, to be faithfully recorded and preserved for the information and benefit of all mankind.
All these records are set forth in the Bible which we are distributing; and from them it derives an incalculable degree of importance; for as every man must soon pass through his short term of existence here, into a state of life of endless duration, the knowledge necessary to enable him to prepare for such a change cannot be too highly estimated.
The Gospel was no sooner published than it proceeded to triumph over obstacles which its enemies thought insurmountable, and numerous heathen nations rendered joyful “obedience to the faith.” Well-known events afterward occurred, which impeded its progress, and even contracted the limits of its sway. Why those events were permitted, and why the conversion of the great residue of the Gentiles was postponed, has not been revealed to us. The Scriptures inform us, that the coming in of the fulness of the Gentiles will not be accomplished while Jerusalem shall continue to be trodden down by them. As a distant future period appears to have been allotted for its accomplishment, so a distant future season was doubtless assigned for its effectual commencement. Although the time appointed for the arrival of that season cannot be foreseen, yet we have reason to presume that its approach, like the approach of most other seasons, will be preceded and denoted by appropriate and significant indications. As the conversion of the Gentiles is doubtless to be effected by the instrumentality of Christian nations, so these will doubtless be previously prepared and qualified for that great work; and their labour in it be facilitated by the removal or mitigation of obstructions and difficulties. The tendency, which certain recent events have to promote both these purposes, gives them the aspect of such indications.
Great and multifarious were the calamities inflicted on the nations of Europe by their late extensive war; a war of longer duration, and in the course of which more blood and tears were shed, more rapacity and desolation committed, more cruelty and perfidy exercised, and more national and individual distress experienced, than in any of those which are recorded in modern history. During the continuance, and on the conclusion of such a war, it was natural to expect, that the pressure of public and personal dangers and necessities would have directed and limited the thoughts, cares, and efforts of rulers and people to their existing exigences; and to the means necessary to acquire security, to repair waste, and terminate privations.
Yet, strange as it may appear, desires, designs, and exertions of a very different kind, mingled with these urgent temporal cares. The people of Great Britain formed, and have nobly supported their memorable Bible Society. Their example has been followed, not only by the people of this country, but also by nations who had not yet obliterated the vestiges of war and conflagration. At no former period have the people of Europe and America instituted so many associations for diffusing and impressing the knowledge and influence of the Gospel, and for various other charitable and generous purposes, as since the beginning of the present century. These associations comprehend persons of every class; and their exemplary zeal and philanthropy continue to incite feelings and meditations well calculated to prepare us all for the great work before mentioned. We have also lived to see some of the obstructions to it removed, and some of its difficulties mitigated.
Throughout many generations there have been professing Christians, who, under the countenance and authority of their respective governments, treated the heathen inhabitants of certain countries in Africa as articles of commerce; taking and transporting multitudes of them, like beasts of burden, to distant regions; to be sold, and to toil and die in slavery. During the continuance of such a traffic, with what consistence, grace, or prospect of success, could such Christians send missionaries to present the Bible, or preach the Christian doctrines of brotherly kindness and charity to the people of those countries?
So far as respects Great Britain and the United States, that obstacle has been removed; and other Christian nations have partially followed their example. Although similar circumstances expose some of them to an opposition like that which Great Britain experienced, it is to be hoped that an overruling Providence will render it equally unsuccessful. I allude to the territorial and personal concerns which prompted the opposition with which the advocates for the act of abolition had to contend. It will be recollected that many influential individuals deeply interested in the slave-trade, together with others who believed its continuance to be indispensable to the prosperity of the British West India Islands, made strenuous opposition to its abolition, even in the British parliament. Delays were caused by it, but considerations of a higher class than those which excited the opposition finally prevailed, and the parliament abolished that detestable trade. Well-merited honour was thereby reflected on the Legislature; and particularly on that excellent and celebrated member of it, whose pious zeal and unwearied perseverance were greatly and conspicuously instrumental to the removal of that obstacle. Their example, doubtless, has weight with those other nations who are in a similar predicament, and must tend to encourage them to proceed and act in like manner.
Although an immense heathen population in India was under the dominion, controul, and influence of a Christian nation, yet it was deemed better policy to leave them in blindness than to risk incurring the inconveniences which might result from authorizing or encouraging attempts to relieve them from it. This policy has at length met with the neglect it deserved. The Gospel has been introduced into India, under the auspices of the British government; and various means are co-operating to advance its progress, and hasten the time when the King of saints will emancipate that people from the domination of the prince of darkness.
The languages of the heathen nations in general being different from those of Christian nations, neither their Bibles could be read, nor their missionaries be understood by the former. To obviate and lessen these difficulties, numerous individuals have been induced to learn those languages; and the Bible has already been translated into many of them. Provision has been made for educating heathen youth, and qualifying them for becoming missionaries. Schools have also been established in heathen countries, and are preparing the rising generation to receive and to diffuse the light of the Gospel.
The mere tendency of these events to promote the coming in of the Gentiles, affords presumptive evidence of their being genuine indications of the approach of the season assigned for it—or, in other words, that they are providential. This evidence becomes more than presumptive, when combined with that which the few following inquiries and remarks bring into view.
Whence has it come to pass that Christian nations, who for ages had regarded the welfare of heathens with indifference, and whose intercourse with them had uniformly been regulated by the results of political, military, and commercial calculations, have recently felt such new and unprecedented concern for the salvation of their souls, and have simultaneously concurred in means and measures for that purpose? Whence has it come to pass that so many individuals, of every profession and occupation, who in the ordinary course of human affairs confine their speculations, resources, and energies to the acquisition of temporal prosperity for themselves and families, have become so ready and solicitous to supply idolatrous strangers in remote regions with the means of obtaining eternal felicity? Who has “opened their hearts to attend” to such things?
It will be acknowledged that worldly wisdom is little conversant with the transcendent affairs of that kingdom which is not of this world; and has neither ability to comprehend, nor inclination to further them. To what adequate cause, therefore, can these extraordinary events be attributed, but to the wisdom that cometh from above? If so, these events authorize us to conclude, that the Redeemer is preparing to take possession of the great remainder of his heritage, and is inciting and instructing his servants to act accordingly. The duties which this conclusion proclaims and inculcates, are too evident and well known to require particular enumeration.
Not only Bible societies, but also the various other societies who in different ways are forwarding the great work in question, have abundant reason to rejoice and be thankful for the blessings which have prospered their endeavours. We of this society in particular cannot fail to participate largely in this gratitude and joy; especially when we reflect on the beneficent and successful exertions of our late meritorious president to establish and support it, on the number of our auxiliaries and members, on the continuance and amount of their contributions, and on the fidelity and prudence with which our affairs have been managed.
Let us therefore persevere steadfastly in distributing the Scriptures far and near, and without note or comment. We are assured that they “are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” They comprise the inestimable writings by which the inspired apostles, who were commanded to preach the Gospel to all people, have transmitted it, through many ages, down to our days. The apostles were opposed in preaching the Gospel, but they nevertheless persisted. We are opposed in dispensing the Scriptures which convey the knowledge of it; and let us follow their example. An eminent ancient counsellor gave excellent advice to their adversaries; and his reasoning affords salutary admonition to our opponents. That advice merits attention, and was concluded in the following memorable words:
“Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
- John Jay, Address to the American Bible Society, May 9, 1822
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| Score: | 62 / 100 |
| Region: | Africa |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | Very High |
| Population: | 48,467,000 |
| Christians: | 39,409,000 |
| Main Religion: | Christianity |
| Government: | Presidential Republic |
| Leader: | President Uhuru Kenyatta |
Most of the persecution of Kenya’s Christians comes from the Islamic militant group al-Shabaab. The group, based in neighboring Somalia, has conducted numerous attacks targeting Christians in Kenya, a majority-Christian country. Within Kenya itself, some of the country’s tribal leaders are opposed to Christianity, viewing it as a threat. The Kenyan government enforces secularism that is at times restrictive for churches and Christian believers, pressuring them to abandon their beliefs. Rampant corruption in the country results in persecution that goes unpunished or isn’t punished appropriately.
In Kenya, Christian persecution affects all Christian communities. Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds living in the northeast and coastal regions especially live under constant threat of attack. Country-wide corruption and crime also pose a great threat to believers. Some reports suggest that the attack on Garissa University in 2015 by al-Shabaab was executed through bribes to security officials for the import of illegal weapons and ammunition. Because officials often turn a blind eye to persecution, they encourage further acts of violence.
In December 2015, two passengers on a bus were killed when al-Shabaab militants boarded and separated Christians for execution.
In January 2016, five policemen who were Christians and three Christian men were murdered in their homes in the Lamu area.
During the World Watch List 2017 reporting period, more than 30 Christians were killed at the hands of Islamists.
Christian persecution is on the rise and these are some of the worst offenders around the world. + READ MORE
The release of the 2018 World Watch List confirms what we've seen and shared over the past year. Our brothers… + READ MORE
A group of around 30 heavily armed men in military gear, suspected to be al-Shabaab militants, killed three men in… + READ MORE
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| Score: | 62 / 100 |
| Region: | Middle East |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | Very High |
| Population: | 80,418,000 |
| Christians: | 187,000 |
| Main Religion: | Islam |
| Government: | Parliamentary Republic |
| Leader: | President Recep Tayyip Erdogan |
In Turkey, a mixture of Islam and fierce nationalism leads to Christian persecution. Turks are expected to be Muslims, a conviction that’s fostered by the government in a ploy to consolidate power. After a failed coup in July 2016, President Erdogan has used the political instability to his advantage, trying to unify Turkey under Sunni Islam. This leaves little space for minorities and indirectly results in the persecution of Christians. Within the home, converts to Christianity in particular face strong opposition for their conversion from their families, as they’re seen as traitors to both Islam and the national Turkish identity.
The high degree of religious nationalism in Turkish society places incredible pressure on Christians. While the government has not targeted Christians directly, the nationalism it promotes leaves little room for Christians to preach the gospel, which is considered an opposing message. Converts from Islam, while not legally prosecuted, face social opposition, and are often forced to lead double lives to keep their faith hidden from family and community members. Christians with Muslim backgrounds are threatened with divorce and loss of inheritance rights upon conversion, and all Christians face employment discrimination.
At press time, U.S. Pastor Andrew Brunson has been imprisoned since October 2016 and is being held hostage to extract political concessions from the United States. He has been accused of supporting the Gülen movement, which allegedly staged the failed coup in July 2016.
Over the past five years, legal ownership of at least 100 ancient Syriac Christian properties in Turkey’s southeast have been seized and transferred to the Turkish state treasury. The properties confiscated by the government include two functioning monasteries and land belonging to the fourth-century Mor Gabriel Monastery.
Pastor Andrew Brunson moves to house arrest as the trial continues in Turkey. + READ MORE
After numerous optimistic reports that U.S. Pastor Andrew Brunson would finally be released at the end of his third hearing… + READ MORE
With 28 days remaining before the next hearing for U.S. Pastor Andrew Brunson, U.S. lawmakers and international groups are turning… + READ MORE
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| Score: | 62 / 100 |
| Region: | Africa |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | Very High |
| Population: | 104,345,000 |
| Christians: | 61,956,000 |
| Main Religion: | Christianity |
| Government: | Federal Parliamentary Republic |
| Leader: | President Mulatu Teshome Wirtu |
In Ethiopia, Christian persecution stems from multiple sources: the government, Islam, secularism and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC). Government regulations restrict the freedom of religion, while in some parts of the country, conservative Muslims pose challenges for believers, especially converts. Secularism, particularly government bans on religious broadcasting and religious activities within schools, restrict the freedoms of Christians to worship, teach and preach. Meanwhile, those who leave the EOC denomination face persecution from family members, communities and government officials that are members of the denomination.
While all Christians in Ethiopia face persecution, different denominations experience it in varying degrees. Protestants outside of traditional denominations experience the worst persecution at the hands of the government and the EOC denomination. Arrests and disappearances of believers are common in the country, and those who leave Islam or the EOC face harsh mistreatment, sometimes being denied access to community resources. In some cases, Christians are cut off from society completely.
In the WWL 2017 reporting period, there were more than 100 violent incidents against Christians recorded in Ethiopia.
In July 2017, a Muslim mob attacked a 27-year-old man in his home with machetes after first attacking and partly damaging a local church building in Hirna, a rural town. The mob was incited over evangelism taking place in the area.
In Ethiopia (#29 on the World Watch List), government regulations restrict the freedom of religion, while in some parts of… + READ MORE
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“Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is divine. Far from being rivals or enemies, religion and law are twin sisters, friends, and mutual assistants. Indeed, these two sciences run into each other.”
– James Wilson (Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Signer of the Constitution, Original Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court appointed by George Washington) “Of the General Principles of Law and Obligation.”
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| Score: | 93 / 100 |
| Region: | Central Asia |
| Persecution Type: | Islamic Oppression |
| Persecution Level: | Extreme |
| Population: | 34,000,000 |
| Christians: | Thousands, Unspecified |
| Main Religion: | Islam |
| Government: | Presidential Islamic Republic |
| Leader: | President Ashraf Ghani |
| Violence | 60% | |
| Church Life | 99% | |
| National Life | 99% | |
| Community Life | 99% | |
| Family Life | 99% | |
| Private Life | 99% |
Because Afghanistan is an Islamic state by constitution, other religions such as Christianity are seen as alien. As a result, government officials, ethnic group leaders, religious officials and citizens are hostile towards adherents of these religions. To further complicate matters, the tribal community in the country has even more power than the state, meaning that individuals who become Christians are heavily pressured to convert back to Islam. Family members, in particular, will do everything in their power to bring these Christian converts back to Islam or to exact atonement for the shame brought upon their family.
Because all Christians in Afghanistan are essentially converts, they are unable to express their faith, even in private. In many cases, upon being discovered, these converts are considered insane for leaving Islam. If they cannot be convinced to return to their former faith, they are sometimes committed to psychiatric institutions. Others experience loss of personal property and businesses, beatings and even death at the hands of their own family members and communities. Knowing this, believers risk everything when telling others about Christ, also endangering those they witness to.
Due to security reasons, specific instances of persecution cannot be shared, but the case of a German Christian aid worker who was killed in May 2017 highlights the risk believers face in this country.
With more than 30 million Afghan Muslims and only several thousand Christians, these faithful followers of Christ are up against… + READ MORE
For the first time, the countries in the #1 and #2 spots on the World Watch List are within one… + READ MORE
The release of the 2018 World Watch List confirms what we've seen and shared over the past year. Our brothers… + READ MORE
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