A few weeks ago, Open Doors published its list of the 10 worst places to live as a Christian in 2008. Here it is
2008 World Watch List
1. North Korea
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Iran
4. Maldives
5. Bhutan
6. Yemen
7. Afghanistan
8. Laos
9. Uzbekistan
10. China.
The Open Doors USA site has a full article covering the offending countries, including this paragraph on China:
China is a large country with many contradictions. There are Christians who are restricted in their freedom to worship, but there are also areas where the situation is not as tight. Sometimes the government crackdowns against Christians were motivated by preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games in August 2008 and not by anti-Christian grounds. The government wants to make sure that there is no risk for any instability during 2008. The way they want to achieve this differs per area and situation. Sometimes unprecedented politeness is used, but there are also reports of house church raids and arrests.
And the raids and arrests, false imprisonments torture and beatings all continue.
News report here, HT ars gratia.
Great that you picked up the Open Doors World Watch List. I've just produced a Handbook of Prayer with an accompanying poster that highlights the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. And last month's magazine had a special feature on China!
ReplyDeleteWe're organising a prayer vigil protest at the Chinese Embassy in April, focusing on their policy of sending North Korean refugees back to North Korea.
Anyone want to know more, stephenr@opendoorsuk.org