Who we are
When 388 million Christians face persecution worldwide, relief isn’t enough–they need relationship.
For over 70 years, Open Doors has done what others cannot or will not: we go where persecution is worst and stay for as long it takes. We're not just another relief organization—we're your bridge to a persecuted church family that desperately needs to know they're not forgotten, and that has profound spiritual growth to offer you in return.
Open Doors has maintained a faithful on-the-ground presence in countries around the world for decades. And every year, we share what we’ve learned in the latest World Watch List, to equip you to pray with your brothers and sisters around the world.
When you partner with Open Doors, you're joining a relationship that transforms both you and believers facing the ultimate test of faith.
Our history
Open Doors originated in 1955, when a young Dutchman started smuggling Bibles to the persecuted Christians in Communist Europe. He became known as Brother Andrew, and his work led to more than six decades of support for the persecuted church
Our purpose
Our purpose is to strengthen and equip Christians around the world who are facing persecution and discrimination because of their faith in Jesus Christ and to encourage their involvement in world evangelism by:
- Providing Bibles and literature, media, leadership training, socio-economic development, and through intercessory prayer
- Preparing the body of Christ living in threatened or unstable areas to face persecution and suffering
- Educating and mobilizing the body of Christ living in the free world to identify with threatened and persecuted Christians and be actively involved in assisting them
We do so because we believe that when one member suffers, all members suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26).
How we support our Christian family
Since 1955 we have strategically supported Christians across the world by working with local churches.
Learn more about what we do, our commitment to transparency and how you can partner with us.
Our statement of faith
As an evangelical Christian ministry, Open Doors' Trinitarian faith is enshrined and expressed in the historic creeds of the church:
We believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit;
born of the Virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate;
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell,
the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
from where He will come to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy Christian Church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.
Our 7 core values
Brother Andrew, inspired by Revelation 3:2: “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die,” tells us that we are more valued by our physical presence than the 10 best sermons we could bring. Simply being there alongside our fellow persecuted brothers and sisters is the single most important thing we can do.
“God invites us to influence our community, our nation, and the world—to literally direct history while we're on our knees.”
Brother AndrewUseful links
World Watch List
Our annual World Watch List report highlights the 50 countries where Christians face the most intense persecution.
Arise Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the most violent places for Christians. Take part in our campaign to raise awareness and prayer.
Partner with us
Learn how you can help come alongside the persecuted Church all over the world.