The Persecuted Church

Release International

Around the world over 250 million Christians are persecuted for their faith. The number is almost incomprehensible: yet each one is a real person, doing their best to follow Jesus Christ, just like you or me

Many people believe that "persecution" of Christians is something that ended with the Roman era, when the first Christians were fed to the lions, or even after the collapse of communism, as symbolised in the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989

Yet persecution in all its myriad forms, is still an ever-present reality for a significant proportion of the world church. Attacks against Christians take many forms: from personal abuse or victimisation at work, to state surveillance, systematic repression and even torture and death.

Even today it is estimated that tens of thousands of Christians are killed each year as a direct result of their faith. Some commentators have even described this persecution of believers as a "21st Century plague"

"Release International" (RI) serves persecuted Christians in over 50 nations around the world, by supporting pastors and their families who are being persecuted, by supplying Christian literature and Bibles, and by working for justice. In short "Release International" helps to give a voice the persecuted church.

Release International is a member of Global Connections (formerly EMA) and the Evangelical Alliance. The organization works in association with the Voice of the Martyrs in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and is a member of the International Christian Association, founded by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, which operates in 29 nations.

Around the world, millions of Christians are persecuted for their faith every year AND the number is growing. That is why Release International is urgently calling on Christians in the UK and Ireland to pray for all countries where Christians are persecuted. RI have identified seven countries where Christians face intense persecution, and are asking their supporters to commit themselves to pray for these nations for the next seven years

THIS IS THEIR NEW "7X7" INITIATIVE

Release International firmly believe (as we should) that in God's hands "7X7" will make a real difference, not just for believers and churches who face daily intimidation and repression, but also for Governments and extremists who are behind the persecution in these seven nations

If you want to join "7X7" (see link below to RI's web site) you will be kept up to date with the latest news and information from the seven countries: China, Indonesia, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan and Vietnam

Prayer Alert

To find out more please visit:

"Release International's" website:

OPEN DOORS

Serving persecuted Christians worldwide

As you sit looking at this website, there are around 200 million people across the world facing persecution – simply because they are Christians. For them, discrimination, beatings, rape, torture and imprisonment are part of everyday life.

Open Doors exists to care for persecuted Christians. By providing them with Bibles, practical aid, Scripture-based training and through upholding them in prayer, we help our suffering brothers and sisters stand firm in their faith.

To find out more please visit: Open Doors' website