100 million Christians ‘persecuted for their beliefs’

Systematic religious cleansing of Christians is widespread across Africa and the Middle East, according to a new report published this week. The Open Doors 2016 World Watch List reveals that every year well over 100 million Christians are persecuted because of their beliefs.

North Korea remains the most dangerous place on Earth to be a Christian, with estimates of around 70,000 Christians imprisoned in labour camps. Iraq has replaced Somalia as the second most dangerous place to be a Christian.

The report details the 50 countries with the worst persecution record. Emerging superpower India, the second most populous country in the world, has seen persecution levels rise dramatically for the third year running, taking it up to number 17 from a ranking of 31 in 2013.

Open Doors claim that the religious freedom of over 200 million people is severely threatened by a new wave of Hindu nationalism. On average three churchs are burned down every week.

The report also reveals that Islamic fundamentalism is rising most sharply in sub-Saharan Africa.