Source: Open Doors USA, January 19, 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, even during the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, persecution against Christians continued at an alarming rate around the globe. Research for the Open Doors\u2019 2022 World Watch List\u2014the most in-depth investigative research and report on Christian persecution available\u2014shows that today, more than 360 million people face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. That\u2019s an increase of 15 million believers in only one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s one in seven Christians, worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below, we look at the top ten countries where persecution is highest. In many of these countries, life is already difficult, but making the decision to follow Jesus and live as a Christian is a choice that puts one\u2019s life, family, and livelihood in jeopardy. In countries like Afghanistan, North Korea, and Somalia, faith in Jesus can be a death sentence. And in 2021, we saw a spike in violence, new technologies that threaten the faith of millions\u2014and a new No. 1 for the first time in 20 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read the full article<\/a> or see the whole list of 50 countries<\/a> and download a report. Watch a 3.5-minute video about the project, below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also see a free, 100-page prayer guide from Voice of the Martyrs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n