In first position on the list was again North Korea, the country where every religious activity is recognised as an insurrection against North Korean socialist principles.North Korea has held this position for the eighth consecutive year. North Korean leaders are desperately trying to control society in order to eradicate Christian activities, yet Christianity is growing, according to Open Doors.

This year, Iran passed Saudi Arabia and now holds the second position on the WWL. The wave of arrests of Christians which started in 2008 continued even stronger during 2009, resulting in at least 85 Christians arrested. Saudi Arabia at position three remains unchanged in the situation of religious freedom for Christians. However, no reports of Christians killed or physically harmed for their faith were received, and only one report of a Christian arrested was noted.

Somalia moved up to fourth position as religious freedom worsened for the small number of Christians, who are heavily persecuted and practice their faith in secret.
Islam is the official religion of seven countries in the top 10 positions, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Mauritania .
New to the top 10 this year is Mauritania, holding eighth position.

There was no improvement in religious liberty in Laos, as it moved to ninth position. Even though Uzbekistan continues in tenth position, there religious freedom deteriorated, during last year.

The status of religious freedom for Christians also deteriorated in Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Tunisia and Kyrgyzstan. Open Doors recorded fewer reports on persecution of Christians in Algeria, India, Cuba, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

The reporting period for this version of the World Watch List is from November 1, 2008 to inclusively October 31, 2009. Bruce Quedley, regional director of Open Doors NZ, who is currently on a 17-day 4000 kilometre motorcycle tour from Auckland to Invercargill to highlight the needs of the persecuted Christians, said the list should be of concern to Christians throughout the world.  “The World Watch List represents over 100 million brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution for their faith. All Christians are called upon through the scriptures to respond to their hurt and call for assistance, Hebrews 13: 3 and 1 Corinthians 12: 26-27,” said Mr Quedley.


February 22, 2010  Vol 68 Issue 6