What does it mean to be persecuted for the Name of Christ and for the sake of the gospel?
The definition offered by the World Watch List (WWL) flows from lengthy research and careful analysis of a multitude of events. Briefly stated, it is, “Any hostility experienced as a result of one’s identification with Christ. This can include hostile attitudes, words and actions towards Christians”.
The broader definition includes, “restrictions, pressure, discrimination, opposition, disinformation, injustice, intimidation, mistreatment, marginalization, oppression, intolerance, infringement, violation, ostracism, hostilities, harassment, abuse, violence, ethnic cleansing and genocide.”
The WWL reports that the number of Christians worldwide who face high levels of persecution as a result of their identification with Christ has risen from 365 million in 2024 to more than 380 million in 2025.
In many nations this growing persecution involves suffocating oppression and deadly violence, stone-throwing and raids on worship services as well as sexual abuse of Christian women.
WWL has stated from their 2025 research that one in every 7 Christians live in situations of at least ‘high’ levels of persecution or discrimination for their faith.
Here are highlights from their report. For faith-based reasons, Christians have been…
- Killed, including state sanctioned executions
- Detained without trial
- Abducted
- Sentenced to jail, labour camp, sent to psychiatric hospitals as punishment
- Forced into marriages with non-Christians
- Physically and mentally abused, including beatings and death threats
- Forced to leave their country
- Houses of Christians and other property, shops or businesses have been attacked, damaged, bombed, looted, destroyed, burned down, closed or confiscated
International Day of Prayer
Persecution against Christians continues to intensify. On Sunday November 2nd, millions of Christians around the world will focus prayer on this tragedy. Let’s pray with them, on our own or with others. Here are some suggestions:
- Pray for the Lord to act in great power to turn back the spirit of hatred against his people and deliver them from evil.
- Pray for protection from extremists who use rape as a weapon against women and men. May the Lord put a hedge of protection around them.
- Pray for God’s protection and encouragement of Christian children who are bullied by classmates who freely express hatred and contempt towards them.
- Pray for God’s protection of Christian girls and women who are at great risk of kidnapping.
- Pray for Christians who suffer for their allegiance to the Lord, that they would have the strength and vision to hold on to the hope we have in Christ, whatever may come.
“In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”
John 16: 33b NRSV
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