Page 5 - Persecution-Trends-Report-2024

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was increasing. ‘There are tighter and
more complex religious constraints, and
Christians in China are facing increased
harassment and persecution.’
This was due to the Chinese
Communist Party (CCP) adopting an
aggressive policy of social control
and the ‘securitization of everything’.
Having cemented his position with a
third (and unlimited) term of office,
President Xi Jinping continues to seek
his goal of religious ‘sinicization’.
This means preaching and promoting
doctrines that support and comply
with the CCP’s leadership, ideology
and values. ‘The ultimate aim is to
eliminate Christianity within China
altogether,’ added our partners.
They said that in 2024 there would be
increasing pressure to demonstrate
total allegiance to the CCP and
President Xi, above any commitment
to Jesus Christ and the Bible, and to
gather in official venues only, rather
than in houses or premises not
recognised by the Government.
Also expected is increasing censorship
online, where there is a strict ban on
religious content without an official
licence. It will become harder for
Christians in unregistered churches to
obtain Bibles, as they cannot be legally
sold in the Chinese marketplace,
including online and on Bible apps.
With the introduction of a new and
PERSECUTION
TRENDS 2024
CHINA
Many churches (both registered and
unregistered) have been prevented
from meeting and some have been
closed down. There have been
many reports of Christian leaders
being arrested for questioning and
imprisoned on charges of national
security as well as fraud. Children of
Christian parents have been harassed
and discriminated against and have
been prevented from attending
Christian meetings.
Our partner said that persecution
EASTERN
ASIA
CHINA NORTH
KOREA
pastor Haile Naizgi and Dr Kiflu
Gebremeskel, have been jailed since
2004. Pray that more would be
released in 2024
•
 That God would thwart the efforts
of the Government to infiltrate
underground churches
•
 Thank God for the release of seven
women and six men, all Christians,
who had reportedly been in prison
for about ten years. Pray they can
rebuild their lives
EAST AFRICA
Persecution of Christians in this region
remains severe and is expected to
continue into 2024.
Our partners report that there is
a small window for freedom of
religion but harsh, ingrained religious
beliefs and a hostility to other faiths
combined with a lack of opportunity to
expand their worldview means many
are unwilling to listen to the gospel.
However, our partners said: ‘We expect
to see more coming to faith through
online engagement and physical
connections to fellowships,’ even though
resistance may well follow.
They added that as a result more
people would become disconnected
from their biological families as well
as their cultures. Hence, there would
be an increased need for more prayer
support for protection and provision
as well as being connected to Christian
families. They also expect an increased
number of those fleeing for their lives
due to persecution.
‘We have come this far because of
the deliberate prayers of the faithful
ones. Knowing that we are one body in
diverse locations, through the prayers
you pray we have a sure connection and
are reminded that there are parts of the
body of Christ who are praying for us.
Remembering that makes us bold and
encourages us to keep on the journey.’
Xi Jinping continues
to seek religious
‘sinicization’