Open Doors USA says that one in seven Christians are now being persecuted for their faith, with North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria, Syria, and Iran among the worst offenders.
Open Doors USA, a nonprofit watchdog group on Christian persecution, released its annual World Watch List this month, reporting that discrimination and violence against Christians reached record levels worldwide for the period ending September 30, 2025.
World Watch 2026 ranks the top 50 countries where believers face the most severe persecution and found that about 388 million Christians, or approximately 1 in 7 globally, are experiencing high levels of intimidation and violence because of their faith, an increase of more than 8 million from the previous year.
“We continue to see a multi-year pattern where persecution is expanding,” said Ryan Brown, chief executive officer of Open Doors US, in a statement to the Christian Post. He noted that this rise shows both a growing number of affected Christians and an increase in extreme violence in certain regions.
North Korea topped the list, with the report stating that the government continues to use monitoring technologies, including artificial intelligence, to identify and suppress suspected Christians. North Korea has now topped the list for 24 years.
Somalia ranked second for the fourth consecutive year. “The militant extremist group Al-Shabaab has become more dominant in certain areas. They aim to eradicate Christianity, openly executing suspected believers,” the report stated.
Yemen ranked third on the 2026 list. Yemeni Christians face severe danger due to continuing conflict and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Many are converts from Islam and must practice their faith in secrecy, as discovery can result in imprisonment or death. Even without legal consequences, believers regularly face rejection by their families and targeting by their communities.
Last year, the Houthis portrayed Western airstrikes as “Christian aggression,” forcing many believers further into hiding. Nearly all foreign Christians have left the country. Despite these risks, many Yemeni believers remain committed to serving their neighbors and caring for those in need. The underground church continues to grow despite serious challenges.
According to the report, sub-Saharan Africa remains a major area of concern, with 14 countries from the region appearing on the list. Much of the most lethal violence is concentrated there, particularly in Nigeria, which the group identified as the world’s deadliest place for Christians.
Of the 4,849 Christians killed globally for their faith during the reporting period, 3,490 were in Nigeria, according to the report. This total increased from about 3,100 the previous year. Militant Islamic groups and ongoing instability have contributed to continued attacks on Christian communities.
The report also noted a sharp rise in persecution in Syria, which recorded its highest score since the organization began its current format in 2014. This increase follows years of civil conflict and the collapse of centralized authority, enabling extremist groups to target religious minorities, especially Christians.
The report distinguishes between direct violence, described as “smash” persecution, and more subtle but restrictive forms known as “squeeze” persecution. Brown said “squeeze” persecution is increasingly common in China, where authorities have tightened surveillance and imposed new restrictions on unregistered churches, online religious activity, and access to Christian materials.
China, which ranked 17th on the list, has a population of 1.4 billion. “The state closely monitors who attends its registered churches and what is preached to ensure it aligns with communist ideology. Anyone under 18 years of age is not permitted to attend church,” the report noted.
“Many churches therefore decide not to register and meet as underground house churches. It’s a brave move that can bring raids, fines, arrests and imprisonments, especially for church leaders. China also monitors internet use intensely, so believers must be cautious online,” it added.
Brown said the World Watch List is intended not only to inform but also to guide prayer and support efforts. Each country profile includes requests from local Christians about how others can pray for them.
“These are the needs they have identified themselves,” he said. “The goal is not only awareness, but also solidarity with those facing persecution around the world.”
For American Christians, reports like the World Watch List should encourage action. Scripture reminds us to “remember the prisoners as if chained with them, those who are mistreated, since you yourselves are in the body also” (Hebrews 13:3, NKJV). Persecuted believers are not distant strangers. They are members of the body of Christ, suffering for the same Gospel we freely proclaim.
The first and most essential response is prayer. Prayer is active obedience. Churches, families, and individuals can intentionally pray for specific countries and underground congregations named in persecution reports. Open Doors provides resources to guide focused prayer, asking God for protection, endurance, and boldness for believers living under constant threat.
Second, American Christians can support persecuted believers through giving. Trusted Christian organizations partner with local churches to provide emergency aid, discipleship materials, and safe housing. Financial support enables believers to remain in their communities as witnesses to Christ rather than being forced to flee. Giving is a real way to bear one another’s burdens and tackle urgent needs.
Third, believers can raise awareness. Share verified information with your church, small group, or Christian school. Encourage pastors to include persecuted Christians in sermons and prayer. Teach children and youth that following Jesus has often come at a cost for many believers worldwide.
Fourth, American Christians can advocate for religious freedom. This includes contacting elected officials to urge them to give priority to religious liberty in foreign policy actions and supporting efforts to encourage governments to stop targeting religious minorities and hold violent actors accountable.
Finally, persecution should challenge American Christians to examine their own faith. The courage of believers in North Korea, Yemen, Nigeria, Iran, and other nations reminds us that following Christ is worth everything. Their faithfulness encourages us to live confidently, share the Gospel without fear, and stand firm in the face of cultural pressure at home.
The global Church faces persecution but is not defeated. When American Christians stand with persecuted believers, we show the love of Christ and help encourage and strengthen those who remain faithful to His name.
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