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Country Profiles
The following is a
brief list of countries, ranked for degree of persecution. Rankings are based on
the Open Doors World Watch List
of top 50 countries as of January 2005.
#1
North Korea –
Remains the worst country for persecution. Complete lack of
religious freedom and many other basic human rights. Suspected
Christians are arrested, together with 3 generations of their family,
and put in brutal slave labor camps. Many are killed. Chinese
and Korean Christians minister to North Korean refugees who escape
across the border into China. Pray for deliverance of the
country from the demonic spirits—“world rulers of this
present darkness”—that hold it in bondage. (Eph 6.12)
#3 Vietnam –
Christians considered to be hidden enemy, connected to the US. A new
law bans any religious activity deemed to threaten national security,
public order, or national unity—effectively prohibiting
unregistered church services in homes. More than 100 Christians were
imprisoned.
#5
Iran – The
Revolutionary Guard has become entrenched in parliament and over all
law enforcement agencies, reestablishing
the Islamic Revolution.
#7
Somalia –
Lawlessness and violence by Islamic
fundamentalists; three converts died as a result of physical attacks
and several believers had to flee.
#8
Bhutan – Buddhist
Himalayan kingdom has been on an active campaign since 2000 to
pressure Christians to renounce their faith.
 #9
China –
Treatment
of Christians varies. Most house churches are not registered and may
be subject to persecution and harassment. Bible shortage outside of
cities. Teaching religion outside of church walls or to anyone below
age 18 is illegal. October 20: nearly 50 house church leaders arrested at retreat.
#16
Eritrea – Over 400
Protestant Christians have been imprisoned for illegal religious
gatherings in 2004 and 2005, kept in deplorable conditions, and
pressured to renounce their faith. Pray for Orthodox Church to
repent and come to defense of Protestants.
#17
Myanmar (Burma) –
Improvement! Churches still
face closure, difficulties in registration, and a ban on
construction.
#19
Sudan –
Improvement! Peace agreement
in south brings hope to Christians. Fewer Christians killed or
physically harmed. Western Darfur region continues Muslim on Muslim
violence.
#26
Cuba –
Registration is delayed for years for many house churches, which may
then be closed. Pastors routinely questioned and detained for
several days. Government motto is: "We don't want martyrs, we
want apostates." September 22: new law and regulations
imposing greater restrictions on house churches. October 9: Gospel of John
confiscated as subversive.
#31
Mexico (southern Chiapas region)
– Evangelicals are threatened, expelled from homes, deprived of
crops and livestock, because they refuse alcohol and pagan
celebrations. New governor is evangelical, so relief may be
immanent.
#33
Qatar –
Improvement! New constitution now guarantees religious
freedom, and 5 permits granted to build churches.
#34
India – Since 1998
the hard-line Hindu BJP assumed power and persecution of Christians
has risen enormously in certain parts of the country. Emphasis on
Hindu nationalism breeds persecution and attacks. Dalit's lose basic
human rights when they become Christians. (Supreme Court ruling
pending for October 25 may change this practice.)
#46
Bangladesh – On
August 17, Islamic militants set off 400 bombs simultaneously to
demand Islamic law. They stated they plan to kill non-Muslim
leaders, missionaries, priests and humanitarian workers.
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