The violence score increased even more this year as North Korea re-established its hold on No. 1. Several groups of Christians were arrested and brought to labour camps. There is an even greater
emphasis on ideological purity and any perceived or real outside threat is viciously purged.
China also stepped up its efforts to arrest and repatriate North Koreans, all of whom are regarded as illegal immigrants.
Yemen moved up to third place on the World Watch List due to an increase in anti-Christian violence. Pressure on Christians also remained at the maximum. Within the context of civil war, Iran-backed Houthi rebels expanded their power, making more of the country increasingly dangerous for Christians. Coupled with further Islamic radicalization, this meant even secret house churches could no longer meet safely.
One of only two newcomers to this year’s top 50, Kyrgyzstan had the highest score increase on the list, making its first appearance since 2013. There was a sharp increase in violence against the church, many registered churches and Christian institutions were forced to close, and pressure on Christians increased in almost all spheres of life.
Violent chaos continues to be a cover for persecution. In countries like Myanmar, Yemen and Sudan, civil wars have become breeding grounds for targeted attacks against Christians. In other places like CAR, DRC, Mali, Burkina Fasoand Niger, Islamist insurrections have created environments where Christians can be targeted with impunity, and where militants can attack and chase out communities of God’s people.
Though fewer Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria compared to last year, it remains disproportionately deadly for Christians, with 3,100 paying the ultimate price for their faith. Sadly, more Christians were killed outside Nigeria, many in sub-Saharan Africa countries like DRC, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Niger.
Christians continue to be detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned for following Jesus. In India alone, 1,629 Christians were detained without trial and another 547 were sentenced to prison. Believers were incarcerated for their faith in Eritrea, Bangladesh, Iran amongst others.
Several countries on the World Watch List saw an increase in anti-Christian violence. While the contexts were different, either tightly controlled autocratic states, or countries that are unstable due to weak government or civil war, the result was the same: targeting of Christian communities, destruction of lives, homes and churches, and immense pressure on believers.
Multiple countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have seen a rise in violence against Christians. Currently, 8 of the top 10 deadliest places for Christians are in Sub-Saharan Africa—and all of them (except Nigeria) have more faith-based killings than they did during the 2024 World Watch List reporting period.
Chronic government instability has created an environment where Christians can be targeted, and where Islamic militants can use the chaos as cover for their attacks on Christians.
Many Christians have been forced from their homes. Of 34.5 million displaced people across Sub-Saharan Africa, around 16.2 million are Christians.
The Open Doors Arise Africa campaign is a multi-year response to the overwhelming violence against Christians in the region. It relies on the prayers and support of Christians around the world to stand with the African church, to help it be salt and light amid extreme persecution.
Christians in the Middle East and more countries on the World Watch List, are being driven underground. Christian isolation and the decline of churches was a recurring pattern in several countries:
After more than a decade of war, disaster and relentless crisis, the church in Syria has diminished significantly. Emigration is actively changing what the church looks like—from an ancient, large minority population, to a much smaller, more endangered Christian community.
Following the Israeli-Hamas war that began in October 2023, Christian communities in Gaza and the West Bank have come to the brink of extinction. Though not due to persecution, in Gaza, at least 33 Christians were killed, and most houses destroyed during the violence. Many Christian families have moved abroad or are trying to leave.
The church in Afghanistan is deeply underground, and since there are fewer visible expressions of Christianity, the Taliban authorities have nothing to crack down on.
All Protestant churches in Algeria have been forced to close, leaving none that can be targeted for closure.
In China, unregistered churches, once tolerated by the government, are now considered illegal as authorities enforce regulations. State-approved churches are under stronger ideological pressure and new laws send pastors into indoctrination sessions, where they are urged to preach accordingly. Smaller congregations are either forced to merge into a larger church that is easier to control, or to take their fellowships underground, into isolated home groups.
The most extreme forms of violence against Christians reduced in Indonesia. Attacks on churches and killing of Christians declined during the World Watch List 2025 reporting period. This drove down the persecution score enough to take the country out of the top 50.
Colombia fell 12 spots on the World Watch List, from no. 34 last year to no. 46. The reduction in score was only 2 points, as levels of violence and intolerance affecting Christians haven’t significantly changed. However, the good news is that there was a reduction in killings of Christians.
Nicaragua retained it’s ranking at no. 30 but offered a glimmer of hope. International pressure and sanctions led to the release of Bishop Rolando José Álvarez of Matagalpa, who had been detained and sentenced to 26 years in prison for anti-Nicaragua misinformation, obstruction and disobedience. He was released, denaturalized and deported after 11 months, alongside 18 priests and seminarians who had been held for a month. While their freedom is good news, it also highlights the growing trend of clergy deportation in Nicaragua.
While persecution and anti-Christian violence intensifies, many believers continue to follow Jesus and share their faith, risking their lives and freedom in the most dangerous places to be a Christian.
Zahra*, a persecuted believer in Yemen said, “I am determined to stay here despite the risks to my comfort and safety because I believe everyone deserves to hear about God’s love.”
Joo Min*, a North Korean believer, got the opportunity to escape the brutal regime, but she returned as a believer, determined to share Jesus with others. She said, “I felt a calling to share everything I’ve learned with other secret believers in North Korea, my homeland.”
Their testimonies confirm scriptures in John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
