Persecution!

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION?

Christian persecution — The Persecution of Christians — refers to the mistreatment, discrimination, oppression, or violence directed towards individuals or communities who identify as Christians or follow the Christian faith.

It involves the infringement of their basic human rights, such as the freedom of worship, expression, and assembly, due to their religious beliefs and practices.

CAUSES OF PERSECUTION 

There are many reasons why Christians are persecuted around the world. Primarily Christians are persecuted because of their faith.

However, economic and political situations further deepen this problem. In some countries, Christians are seen as a threat to the ruling government, and their persecution is a way to maintain control.

Additionally, in many countries, cultural and religious intolerance fuel Christian persecution. In some countries, Christianity is seen as a foreign or Western religion, hence it faces hostility and violence.

IMPACT

Persecution against Christians encompasses a range of unjust practices. The impact of persecution is significant, both physically and emotionally. Individuals and communities who are persecuted often suffer physical harm, including torture, imprisonment, and even death.

The psychological and emotional effects of persecution can be equally devastating, leading to trauma, depression, and anxiety. Persecution can also have long-lasting effects on the communities affected, causing displacement, poverty, and social unrest.

PERSECUTION OUTLOOK AROUND THE WORLD

Research centers consistently document and emphasize the persistent nature of Christian persecution, which continues to be a widespread human rights concern affecting nations across various global regions. Particularly severe instances of persecution are observed in countries such as North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Nigeria, Nicaragua and Yemen.

ASIA

Religious nationalism has sparked severe repression of Christians and other minority groups throughout Asia.

In the Maldives, non-Muslims are not considered full citizens. In India and Sri Lanka, Christians and their places of worship are attacked with impunity. In Pakistan, Christians are routinely harassed, and growing numbers of young Christian girls are kidnapped, forcibly married to a Muslim, and converted to Islam. They are often raped as well.

Punishment for these crimes often takes years, if it ever comes, as authorities in Pakistan are often apathetic about crimes against Christians.

Police do little to protect religious minorities, and while the courts are generally more helpful, delays are common, leaving Christians to suffer indefinitely.

In China, restrictions on public worship and Internet are very harmful to Christians.

Churches are monitored and sometimes forcibly closed. Plus, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to attend Church services. Many Christians have been arrested and sentenced for unclear reasons. They are often charged with fraud or creating trouble.

In Vietnam, Christian communities with an established presence, like the Roman Catholic Church, are allowed relative freedom as long as they do not become politically involved or object to the state’s taking of their land. Other Christian denominations, like Pentecostal or Evangelical Christians, face greater restrictions and scrutiny.

In Laos, there are officially registered Churches, but not all have permanent buildings, leaving many Christians to gather in private homes. Some churches do not have state approval, and their leaders have been arrested and detained for up to a year. They can only be released in exchange for payment.

In North Korea, Christians are either killed or held in labor camps. The possession of a Bible is a punishable offense. Public worship is not safe, and Christians can only celebrate Mass in secret.

In Vietnam, during the COVID-19 pandemic the virus was used as a pretext for the discrimination of Christians. At least one Christian community was blamed for its spread of the virus in Ho Chi Minh City.

Based on our research, it is evident that the persecution of Christians in countries of concern has only intensified over time. The faithful have endured intimidation campaigns by both state and non-state actors, with the goal of eradicating the Christian presence in their countries, even in Christianity’s most ancient homes.

Although governments have started to acknowledge the significance of religious freedom and its fragility across the globe, there is still a great deal of work that needs to be done to ensure the protection of religious minorities.