WASHINGTON — Leading Christian persecution watchdog nongovernmental organization Open Doors USA released it's 2020 World Watch List Wednesday, an influential annual data report that this year highlights a drastic increase in attacks against Christian buildings and the imprisonment of Christians.
China announced it will soon implement harsh new measures requiring all religious personnel to support and implement total submission to the Chinese Communist Party, sparking concern among Chinese Christians.
Here are 10 important stories of Christian persecution that reached that level in the past 10 years.
Over 1,000 Christians have been killed this year in Nigeria as attacks led by Fulani extremists continue to plague rural farming communities in the Middle Belt, according to an estimation published by the U.K.-based nongovernmental organization Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust.
China: Early Rain Church leader sentenced to four years in prison over Gospel tracts
American pastors who traveled to Hong Kong to support the months-long pro-democracy demonstrations say they faced tear gas and water cannons as they stood in solidarity with student demonstrators during one of the most dynamic five-day stretches of the protests.
The protests in Hong Kong continue to intensify, as hope wanes among natives, some of whom say they are afraid but might as well go down fighting.
Face and fingerprint scanning installed in churches as China increases surveillance
Hong Kong Watch has condemned the "absurdly excessive use of force" by police in the city following an escalation in violence in recent days.
Right before the New Year, a Chinese court sentenced Early Rain Church Pastor Wang Yi to nine years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power" and "illegal business activities."
Humility is clear eyesight. It is the ability to see things as they really are. A successful follower of Christ is humble. He places the needs of those in his care above his own. He doesn't get his identity from what he has accomplished. He gets it from God.
"O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?"
"Would you like to go pray with me outside Planned Parenthood?" my friend asked.
"North Korea is the one country where people, the moment they are born, have no freedom."
Millions of new and returning college students are heading back to campus, and the supplies list is long: Mini fridge, check. New laptop, check. Favorite pillow, check. Plenty of phone chargers, check. But one serious thing young Christians should have in check is their faith in Jesus.
Millions of new and returning college students are heading back to campus, and the supplies list is long: Mini fridge, check. New laptop, check. Favorite pillow, check. Plenty of phone chargers, check. But one serious thing young Christians should have in check is their faith in Jesus.
Nigerian pastor, 16 worshipers kidnapped by gunmen who stormed choir practice
Why should your home have a standby generator?
Chinese pastor leaves letter before being detained with 100 Christians
Modern Nehemiah: A Chinese Church Construction Project
New global religious freedom mov't underway: 'We can't just keep talking about it'
Mass arrests of Chinese megachurch members continue; some 'violently beaten'
[Interview] Former Chinese Church Leader Shares Two Challenges: Constructing Chinese Theology and Having Chinese Christian Orientation
Asia Bibi stuck in Pakistan, frustrated and afraid amid threats
