More Than 388 Million Christians Facing High Levels of Persecution or Discrimination

Worldwide | 2026

Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List reports that more than 388 million Christians experience high levels of persecution or discrimination because of their faith. The organization says more than 315 million face very high or extreme levels of persecution.

The report ranks the countries where Christians face the most severe pressure and documents different forms of persecution, including violence, discrimination, restrictions on worship, and pressure against Christian communities.

Source: Open Doors World Watch List 2026

Nigeria Records Majority of Reported Christian Deaths in World Watch List

Worldwide | January 2026

According to reporting on the 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria accounted for the overwhelming majority of reported Christians killed because of their faith in the latest reporting period, with 3,490 of 4,849 recorded deaths.

The figures have renewed international discussion about the security situation facing Christian communities in Nigeria and the wider issue of religious violence in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: Christianity Today / Open Doors World Watch List