Christians in Nigeria, India, and China are expected to face increased persecution in the coming year, according to UK-based Release International.
The organisation, which supports persecuted Christians and has welcomed a recent move by UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to launch an inquiry into the persecution of Christians around the world, said its partner agencies have warned persecution of Christians around the world has been rising and that the trend is expected to continue in 2019.
Noting there are an estimated 215 million Christians facing violence and discrimination across the globe with an estimated 250 killed every month because of their faith, Release has named Nigeria, India and China as countries of “particular concern”.
In Nigeria, Fulani militants are expected to continue attacks against Christians in the country’s north and central regions with Release citing statistics that as many as 6,000 were killed in the first six months of 2018 and a further 50,000 driven from their homes. The organisation quotes an anonymous partner saying there was a “deliberate plan to destroy and take over the predominantly Christian communities in the region”.
Meanwhile in China, Release says there has been a “sharp increase” in government opposition to religions, including Christianity, seen in new rules regulating religion and a policy of removing Christian symbols and closing churches. Release notes that larger house churches have been a particular target and quotes a representative of a partner organisation saying authorities have been emboldened in efforts to close higher profile churches thanks to the lack of opposition seen among Western nations.
In India, Release says attacks against Christians by Hindu nationalists are rising with violent mobs breaking up prayer meetings, new laws enacted in several states prohibiting so-called ‘forced’ conversions and attacks on pastors.
Other countries of concern with regard to the persecution of Christians in the coming year include North Korea, Eritrea and Pakistan, according to Release.
Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International, said there is a “worrying upward trend in persecution against Christians” and has backed calls for the UK to do more to support the “suffering church worldwide”.
The UK Government’s review into the persecution of Christians around the world will be led by Church of England prelate Philip Mounstephen, the Bishop of Truro, and is charged with making recommendations on practical steps the government can take to support those under threat. It is expected to report by Easter.
The move was announced amid growing criticism that the UK Government had not offered sanctuary to Asia Bibi, a Pakistani mother of five who was acquitted of blasphemy charges after spending eight years on death row. She and her family are now in hiding in Pakistan.
Release’s Paul Robinson said the case highlights the intolerance Christians can face.
“Such intolerance of so many Christians in so many countries sets the tone for 2019. We must continue to watch and pray and stand up for freedom of faith.”
