Asian Churches Face Severe Trials as Global Christian Persecution Reaches Record High
According to the World Watch List 2026 released by Open Doors, an estimated 388 million Christians globally now face persecution or serious risk of violence—an increase of 8 million people compared to the previous year. This marks the highest number ever recorded.
Cristian Nani, director of Open Doors, described the situation as deeply alarming. “This is once again a record year,” he said, noting that more than half of those affected are women and girls, while 110 million are children under the age of 15—a reality that resonates strongly with Asian Churches, where family and community life are central to faith.
Asia Among Regions of Deep Concern
As reported by Vatican news, World Watch List identifies 15 countries where persecution has reached an “extreme” level, up from 13 last year. Several of these countries are in Asia, including North Korea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and Yemen.
North Korea continues to be ranked as the most dangerous place in the world for Christians. Meanwhile, Christians in South and Southeast Asia face increasing discrimination, surveillance, and violence—often intensified by political instability, religious nationalism, and weak protection for minorities.
Myanmar remains on the list amid ongoing conflict, while Christians in India and Pakistan continue to experience harassment, mob violence, and legal pressure under restrictive laws.
Violence, Displacement, and Vulnerable Communities
The report also highlights a rise in killings of Christians worldwide—from 4,476 to 4,849, an average of 13 deaths every day. While much of the violence is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, Asian Church leaders stress that persecution in Asia often takes systemic and long-term forms, including forced displacement, denial of basic rights, and pressure to abandon the faith.
Although attacks on churches and Christian properties have decreased globally, cases of abuse, sexual violence, and forced marriages—particularly affecting women and girls—have increased significantly.
Syria and the Middle East: A Warning for Asia
According to Vatican News, the Watch List also notes that Syria has moved from a “high” to an “extreme” level of persecution. With only around 300,000 Christians remaining, the dramatic decline of Christian presence in the region serves as a warning for Asian Christians living as minorities.
“The fragmentation of political authority leaves Christian communities extremely vulnerable,” Nani explained—a reality familiar to Churches in parts of Asia affected by conflict and fragile governance.
Nigeria Violence Echoes Asian Fears
While Nigeria remains the epicenter of deadly violence against Christians—accounting for nearly 70 percent of global killings—Asian observers note parallels in how extremist groups exploit poverty, weak governance, and religious tensions.
Recent attacks in Nigeria, including killings in Adamawa and Niger states, were shared during the presentation of the Watch List at the Italian Senate, underscoring the global nature of the crisis.
A Call to Prayer and Solidarity
For Asian Churches, the findings are a call not only to awareness but to prayer, advocacy, and solidarity. As Christianity continues to grow across the Global South, the report underscores a painful reality: where the Church is growing, it is often suffering most.
Despite the challenges, Asian Christians continue to witness to their faith quietly and courageously—often without headlines, but with steadfast hope.
