Open Doors UK & Ireland

Give to support persecuted Christians in the Middle East

Urgent ways you can pray for Afghanistan.

Get involved

Your support helps persecuted Christians continue to courageously follow Jesus.
Together, we can reach those where persecution hits hardest.

Support Christians in the Middle East

Update: 7 prayers for Afghanistan

New church resources for Christmas

International Day of Prayer Online, November 7

Iraqi Christians receive Bibles thanks to you

World Watch List

Open Doors’ annual ranking of the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

Levels of persecution:

Extreme
Very High
High

90,000

North Korean Christians were given emergency food and medicine through Chinese networks.

4,761

Christians were murdered for their faith last year.

283,000

Christians in Asia received vital Covid-19 food and aid, thanks to you.

340 million

Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith.

4,472

churches and Christian buildings were attacked last year.

View country profiles

2021 ranking

North Korea
Afghanistan
Somalia
Libya
Pakistan

Explore the list

Latest stories

Iraq | October 27, 2021

Spark hope for persecuted children this Christmas

Uganda | October 27, 2021

Bus bomb attack by Islamic militants in Uganda shows radical groups are spreading

Sudan | October 27, 2021

Update: Military coup is 'terrifying news' for Sudan's Christians

Afghanistan | October 26, 2021

Please pray for Afghan refugees and neighbouring countries

Prayer and praise

Please pray

For the small group of believers in Afghanistan – to find strength, wisdom and supernatural peace in God's promises, and for those who are displaced because of the Taliban takeover.

Give thanks

That your gifts and prayers are helping believers like Anwar find hope and a new future at Centres of Hope run by Open Doors partners in Syria and Iraq.

Subscribe for our courageous faith email to get stories from the field and hear how you can make an impact for persecuted Christians.

Meet courageous Christians

These believers are bravely following Jesus despite enormous opposition, or raising support and awareness for the persecuted church. This is the worldwide family of Christians.

Anwar Syria

Anwar (name changed) was disowned by his Muslim family when he became a Christian – but he found support and hope at a Centre of Hope run by Open Doors partners
Meet Anwar

Eun Hye North Korea

Not many people have escaped from prisons or labour camps in North Korea. Extraordinarily, Eun Hye has escaped twice. (Name changed for security.)
Meet Eun Hye

Hajaratu Nigeria

Hajaratu was already widowed when she had to flee Fulani militants. Tragically, her young daughter drowned in the attempt to escape.
Meet Hajaratu

Joseph Syria

Joseph was helped by Open Doors partners – thanks to you – and has now been able to open a business. Syrian Christians like Joseph often face intense persecution for their faith.
More about Syria

Usha India

Indian Christians like Usha (name changed) are facing two crises: the effects of the pandemic and ongoing, violent persecution.
More on India

Adrian UK

Adrian did an amazing 60 challenges to fundraise for his persecuted church family – celebrating his 60th birthday.
Find out more

Hannatu Nigeria

Hannatu was kidnapped by Islamic militants in Nigeria and held for two years. Many Christian women are persecuted for their faith and vulnerable for their gender.
Meet Hannatu

Islèm North Africa

When Islèm (name changed) became a Christian, she thought she was the only one in her country. In many parts of North Africa, most believers have to keep their faith secret.
Meet Islèm