Christians in Turkmenistan endure severe persecution under the authoritarian regime. The government tightly controls religious activities, permitting only state-approved groups like the Russian Orthodox Church to meet openly. Converts from Islam, particularly in rural areas, suffer physical violence and social ostracism. Unregistered churches risk police raids, fines, and imprisonment. Support organizations provide assistance through underground Bible distribution and encouragement for hidden believers who must practice their faith in secret to avoid arrest or harm. This environment forces many to conceal their identity to ensure personal safety and survival within a hostile societal structure.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Manish Shah on UnsplashPersecuted church
Thousands gathered in a village in central India to protest alleged forced religious conversions. A local committee organized the demonstration to defend indigenous culture, demanding an investigation into coercion by Christian leaders. Although the protest remained relatively peaceful, reports indicate that three Christian families were forcibly evicted from the village during the event. Local partners state the displaced families are now under police protection. The demonstrators issued a statement to state authorities, warning of further protests if no action is taken regarding their complaints about outside religious influence.
Open Doors released its 2025 annual report, noting that the organization reached over six million people in more than 70 countries. Marc de Graaf, director of the Dutch office, stated that persecution worsened in sub-Saharan Africa and Syria due to regime changes and authoritarianism. The group prioritizes the most isolated believers, providing Bibles, trauma care, and advocacy. Despite challenges in project handovers, Dutch donors contributed over 20 million euros. The organization also collected more than 73,000 signatures for a petition regarding violence in Africa, aiming to raise global awareness of these crises.
Christians in India are experiencing rising hostility and violence from Hindutva groups across multiple states. In one region, extremists disrupted services and attacked believers. Other areas saw protests against church constructions. Central India witnessed physical assaults during prayer meetings. In another state, authorities closed a church and a school faced vandalism. Northeast India saw protests against a new freedom of religion law. Additionally, indigenous communities in other regions are pushing to exclude Christian converts from tribal benefits. An Open Doors partner attributes these incidents to growing challenges for religious freedom and constitutional rights in the country.
UN experts have urged the government in a West African nation to urgently address violence against Christians and religious minorities. The statement highlights disproportionate attacks in northern regions, citing concerns about safety for women and girls. A representative from an advocacy group welcomed this attention, noting it aligns with ongoing campaigns against persecution in Sub-Saharan Africa. Authorities have been given a timeframe to respond before a full report is made public. This development is significant as the country ranks highly globally for Christian persecution, with militant groups and local laws contributing to severe risks for believers.
An advisor warns that ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran may overlook minority rights, particularly Christians. He argues that a framework focusing solely on security and sanctions relief could stabilize the regime while leaving citizens vulnerable to persecution. Christians are targeted because the state views their faith as a threat to national security, not due to foreign interference. He urges the international community to ensure any agreement includes human rights protections and religious freedom, rather than offering diplomatic silence that ignores ongoing injustices in the country.
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A suspended Orthodox priest in Kazakhstan has been forcibly admitted to a psychiatric hospital. He was arrested on drug charges, which he denies, amid his criticism of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Authorities ignored his defense team's arguments and pending appeal. Human rights groups question the diagnosis and the legal basis for the involuntary commitment, citing a lack of evidence that he poses a threat. This incident highlights increasing pressure on religious freedom in Kazakhstan, where the priest has been held in solitary confinement without contact since his arrest.
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On the night of June 5 to 6, thousands of Christians gathered in more than 300 locations across the Netherlands and Belgium to pray for persecuted believers. The event, known as the Night of Prayer, saw participants from various denominations uniting for this cause. Open Doors director Marc de Graaf reflected on the initiative, noting that while some local gatherings started small, they grew significantly throughout the night. This follows a previous Sunday dedicated to the persecuted church, which included over 200 services. The organization states that these prayers help maintain a connection with suffering Christians and ensure they feel remembered.
A human rights organization confirms that a Central Asian nation has arrested and deported approximately 250 Afghan refugees. Authorities cite legal violations and a recent murder as reasons for the action. This development causes significant anxiety among Afghan Christians, who face severe persecution, imprisonment, or execution if returned to Afghanistan. A refugee who fled death threats expressed fear of being sent back. The country ranks high on the Christian persecution list, while Afghanistan is even higher. The group urges prayers for the safety of those deported and an end to the forced returns.
Attackers broke into a Catholic church in a city in Bangladesh, assaulting a priest who sustained injuries but is now stable after receiving medical care. The intruders stole cash and a passport, causing damage to the building before fleeing. Local authorities are investigating the incident as a robbery. According to an Open Doors partner, the attack has heightened fears among the Christian minority, who feel vulnerable as a small demographic in a region marked by political unrest. The community worries about safety during worship gatherings.
In Sudan, a pastor continues to support war victims and train new church leaders despite the ongoing civil war. The conflict has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions. This leader helps refugees in camps, providing spiritual encouragement and limited training. Another church leader notes that Christians face pressure from armed groups due to unemployment and lack of resources. Aid organizations report distributing relief supplies to over 1,300 families, including aid for pastors and vulnerable refugees in various regions across the country.
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Militant groups have killed over a hundred people in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo during the first quarter of 2026. Recent assaults in specific localities within Ituri province resulted in dozens of civilian deaths and forced more than 31,600 residents to flee. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an early March assault, citing links to local factions. Although national forces regained control of one area by late March, violence persists, with earlier incidents in January also targeting Christians. The region is near gold mines owned by Chinese companies, adding economic complexity to the security crisis.
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In a region of India, a Hindu organization issued an ultimatum to Christians with Hindu backgrounds. During a meeting in a local village, the group demanded that these individuals undergo a conversion ceremony to return to their ancestral faith by a specific date. According to reports, failure to comply resulted in threats of violence and property destruction. Since the deadline, local leaders have imposed economic restrictions, such as banning wood gathering and restricting employment. The group cites new religious freedom legislation to justify these measures, creating a hostile environment for converts in the area.
Open Doors reports that Christianity is declining in the Middle East due to war, oppression, and militant Islam. In a country in the region, converts risk execution, while another nation has lost millions of Christians to flight. Authorities in one country treat converts as spies, and the population in another has dropped significantly. Leaders in affected areas urge believers to stay despite severe risks, citing a lack of future prospects and safety. The group highlights that remaining Christians serve as a stabilizing force against radicalization in the region.
A Hindu organization in a region of central India has issued an ultimatum to Christians of Hindu background. During a meeting in a local village, the group demanded that these individuals undergo a 'Ghar Wapsi' ceremony by a specific deadline to return to their ancestral faith. The organization, which represents tribal interests and is supported by Hindutva groups, claims that forced conversions are increasing. This pressure coincides with the implementation of a state law imposing strict penalties for illegal conversions. Local representatives have urged authorities to intervene to preserve traditions, while some families have already agreed to the ceremony under social pressure. Others report living in fear as the deadline approaches.
In Bhutan, Christians face discrimination and job loss because Buddhism is the state religion. Open Doors partners provide training to help believers cope with this pressure. A pastor says the training helps members understand persecution biblically and respond with faith. A woman, who was expelled by her husband, now runs a small shop with support. Another pastor leads a house church despite government non-recognition. The group says these efforts build resilience and change fear into prayer for the small Christian minority.
Thirteen Christian families were expelled from their indigenous community in a region of Colombia after refusing to renounce their faith. Local leaders issued an ultimatum, claiming Christianity damaged their culture. Despite a legal victory, local authorities ignored the ruling, and harassment continued. The families fled, losing their land and livelihoods. They now live in makeshift shelters without clean water or sanitation. Reports indicate the families face urgent needs for water storage and building materials, though they remain grateful for their freedom to worship. This persecution highlights the challenges faced by indigenous believers in the region.
Open Doors reports that three older women in Vietnam face severe abuse from their families after converting to Christianity. Sy, Thu, and Chau are subjected to physical violence, threats, and emotional manipulation by their husbands and children. The opposition stems from political concerns and traditional ancestor worship practices. Despite the hostility, the women remain committed to their faith and find support in local church communities. This situation highlights the intense pressure faced by believers in Vietnam, where persecution often originates from within the family rather than state authorities.
A woman from Afghanistan converted to Christianity after discovering her husband’s family were secret believers. Facing death threats from her brother and severe persecution in her home country, she fled to a Central Asian nation with her in-laws. According to Open Doors Nederland, she now encourages other women with her faith despite ongoing risks of deportation. She states that God’s presence brings her peace amid the danger. Her story highlights the severe consequences for apostates in Afghanistan, which ranks 11th on the World Watch List. She continues to share her faith with refugees in her current host country.
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