Some 250 million Christians around the world now face persecution because of their faith, according to persecution watchdog Release International in a recent story.
The U.K.-based group reported on growing persecution of Christians in four "zones"--Islam, Communism, Hinduism and Buddhism. But it is increasing fastest in the Muslim world.
Communism: The watchdog group said, “Despite the spectacular collapse of communism in Europe, persecution of Christians continues in China, Cuba, Laos and Vietnam, while the dubious accolade of the world’s worst persecutor of Christians goes to North Korea.” With preparations underway for China to host the Olympic Games, "western governments would do well to remember that China detains more Christians than any other country. Believers and leaders who want nothing more than to worship freely face imprisonment, torture and even death.”
Hinduism: "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one of India’s largest political parties, is associated with militant Hindu nationalist groups. Extremists have been involved in a growing number of attacks against both Christians and Muslims."
Buddhism: "In the Buddhist world, Christians face persecution in Bhutan, Burma and Sri Lanka. Buddhist militants regard Christianity as a threat to their national identity and unity."
Islam: According to the article, persecution of Christians is growing fastest in areas under Islamic control, and one of the world’s worst abusers of religious freedom is Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia forbids all other religions. A Muslim found “guilty” of converting to Christianity could face the death sentence for apostasy. And anyone who leads a Muslim to Christ faces jail, expulsion or execution.
“There’s a conspiracy of silence around Saudi,” said Release International’s CEO Andy Dipper, “probably because the West wants their oil and their money. But this is a government that hands out the death sentence for its own citizens who want nothing more than the freedom to choose their own faith. And while Saudi bans all Christian literature, it spends billions of dollars each year propagating Islam around the world.”
The article at The Christian Post should prompt you to pray for followers of Christ around the world.
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