Global Persecution of Christians Hits 388 Million in 2025
In 2025, over 388 million Christians worldwide faced severe persecution, with thousands killed, imprisoned, or displaced, according to Open Doors’ annual World Watch List.
ERMELO, NETHERLANDS — More than 388 million Christians worldwide faced high levels of persecution and discrimination in 2025, according to Open Doors’ annual World Watch List. Of these, over 315 million experience very high or extreme persecution in the top 50 most dangerous countries.
The report, released by the non-governmental organization Portes Ouvertes, recorded 4,849 Christians killed, 4,712 imprisoned, and 3,632 churches attacked between October 2024 and September 2025. Additionally, 22,702 people were forcibly displaced and over 4,000 acts of sexual violence were reported due to religious motives.
Director David Hamelrien highlighted escalating threats, noting that North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen remain the most dangerous countries for believers, while sub-Saharan Africa saw 4,491 Christians killed. Nigeria, China, and India experienced significant persecution, including church closures and arrests under “anti-conversion laws.”
Open Doors has published the World Watch List annually since 1993, documenting religious oppression using 84 criteria and data from more than 5,000 sources.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Nativity celebrations in Turkey and India were marred by anti-Christian violence.
