Turbulent year ahead for Christians, warns Release International

Release International

Islamist persecution is set to rise in 2014 ahead of elections in Nigeria and Afghanistan. Communism remains a potent oppressor of Christians, with North Korea maintaining its reputation as the worst persecutor of Christianity in the world.

'2014 looks set to be a turbulent year for Christians - especially ahead of elections in Nigeria and Afghanistan,' says Colin King, the UK director of Release International, which serves the persecuted Church worldwide.

'Extreme Islam is on the rise, leading to greater persecution and an exodus of Christians from the Middle East. But the heartening news is that this reality is now being acknowledged publicly. It has been recognised in the UK parliament and by Prince Charles.

'2014 is the 25th anniversary of the collapse of the Berlin Wall, yet today communist and former communist countries remain active in oppressing Christians,' says Colin King. 'The worst persecutor of Christians in the world today continues to be North Korea.'

North Korea

Release's partner in North Korea, who cannot be named for his protection, says: 'Any activity related to Christianity, whether bowing one's head to pray, possessing a Bible or making contact with a missionary while abroad, is punished harshly.

'Sentences to concentration camps without trial are not unusual. These offences are never recorded as religious violations, but rather described as sedition, contact with foreign spies or conduct detrimental to the state.'

2014 is likely to prove harder for Christians and others trying to escape, according to the Release partner: 'Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has cracked down harder on illegal cross-border traffic. This makes it more difficult for North Korean Christians and defectors to cross into China.'

Release is working to provide places of safety and support for North Korean refugees.

Central Asia

Persecution is on the rise in the predominantly Muslim countries that have a history of communism. In the former Soviet Republics of Central Asia, 'persecution is still everywhere,' says another Release partner.

'In Kazakhstan unregistered churches are not allowed to gather. In Kyrgyzstan new regulations strictly forbid any kind of missionary work. In Tajikistan, Christian parents are not allowed to take their own children to church and in Turkmenistan many Christians have been arrested and beaten, interrogated and threatened. Copies of the Bible and New Testament have been confiscated.

'But the most difficult situation for Christians is in Uzbekistan and its autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan. Any gathering is illegal. In some places the only way to meet as a small group is to drive around town in a car.'

In 2013, the most dramatic attacks against Christians worldwide have been carried out by Islamic militants. The outlook for 2014 continues to be uncertain, ahead of elections.