“What is Christian Persecution?”
If you were to ask 100 persecuted Christians this question, you’d get 100 answers. From isolationism to violence to imprisonment, Christian persecution takes many forms. But the key to understanding persecution is to hear it in the words of those who face it.
Consider the experience of Rose*, a Christian from Northwest China whose church has faced repeated raids by authorities: "Our church has been suffering persecution for a few years. All 20 workers and 10 other believers were caught and detained. But the Bible tells us not to stop gathering. We insist on our faith, and we also need to gather. The situation is tense, and persecution still exists."
This is what Saleh*, a believer in Yemen whose name is on extremists' wanted list, had to say: "The authorities have my photo and my name. If we sit at home and do nothing, we would be safe. But what kind of Christians would we be if we weren't risking our life for others to know Life?"
Or hear from Narendran*, a pastor in India who was severely beaten along with his wife during a prayer service: "They punched my eyes, tore my shirt and beat me severely. Then they started hitting my wife; she fell unconscious. When Elijah was afraid and was hiding, an angel of the Lord came to him, gave him food and encouraged him saying, 'Get up and eat, for the journey is too long.' In the same way, when we were worried and struggling, Open Doors partners supported us with prayer and practical aid."
Then there's the testimony of Moryom, a 9-year-old girl in Bangladesh who faces daily persecution at school: "Villagers don't like us because we are Christians. Most of the people in my school don't treat me well. Sometimes they beat me with sticks and call me 'Christian' as an insult. They say, 'You're a Christian! We will play with you only if you come back to Islam.'"
And finally, here's what Zahra*, a women's ministry leader in Yemen told us: "We live among wolves, and we know that. I know that sometimes when I enter a house, I might not come back out. That is where God has called me. Jesus took my pain, my suffering and my guilt; He carried His cross, and now it is my turn to carry the cross and continue the journey."
Frequently asked questions
Research for Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List reveals that over 388 million Christians around the world suffer persecution or discrimination for their faith in Jesus Christ. That means they experience some kind of hostility as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus or living out their faith.
The Pew Research Center has found that Christians are harassed in more places than any other religious group. And Open Doors’ research has shown that the number of countries where Christians suffer high and extreme levels of persecution has almost doubled in the last 30 years.
Open Doors defines Christian persecution as “any hostility experienced as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus.” That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends and communities. Others are denied access to basic needs like water, food and health care. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment and even death.
The World Watch List was created in 1993 to help provide an accurate assessment of the problem of persecution against Christians. Each year, this annual report gives details on the 50 countries around the world where Christians experience the most persecution and/or discrimination—which could be from government, family, society or other forces. Read more about the World Watch List methodology and our research: