Open Doors reports global rise in Christian persecution

The number of Christians across the world suffering high levels of persecution and discrimination has reached unprecedented levels.

Speaking at the parliamentary launch of Open Door’s World Watch List 2026, charity CEO Henrietta Blyth reported that 388 million Christians globally are suffering for their faith, 8 million more than last year.

North Korea, Somalia and Yemen remain the most dangerous countries in which to follow Jesus.

‘Death-trap’

Highlighting trends from the latest report, Blyth also described sub-Saharan Africa as “a death-trap for Christians”. She noted that fourteen countries in the region feature on the World Watch List this year, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burkina Faso.

She attributed Syria’s rise – the nation has jumped twelve places up to sixth in the top 50 – to “security vacuums, fragmented governance and local extremist groups”, all of which, she explained, “increases the vulnerability of Christians”.

She continued: “Elsewhere, the increasing smash and squeeze continues to drive the church underground. And the tighter the squeeze, the more difficult it becomes to get word to the outside world about what’s really happening”.

Call to prayer

In a pre-recorded video shown at the event, Pastor Barnabas from Nigeria said: “People should keep talking about the Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, because every day we are attacked”.

“We want people to spread this news to everybody, that they should keep talking about it, so that we will be saved.”

UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief David Smith told the gathering, which included 110 MPs, “We have to be that voice that speaks on these horrendous stories. No one should live in fear because of their faith or belief. The minimum we can do is speak up and I urge you to do that.”

Jim Shannon MP called for “fervent and frequent prayer” for the suffering Church. He added: “faith can move mountains”.