Christians face horrific violence including harassment, abductions, and massacres.
bottom“It's horrible what I saw. They killed almost all the people gathered at the place of mourning.”
– Abbé Paluku Nzalamingi, parish priest
In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Christians face severe persecution in an atmosphere of violence and conflict. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)— religious extremists with ties to the Islamic State group—have deliberately targeted Christian communities through massacres, abductions, and the destruction of churches. Survivors report atrocities intended to eradicate the Christian presence. Hundreds are dead and thousands displaced. Stories from these attacks are horrifying; the violence has left countless Christians traumatised and fearful.
Chrisitan converts endure social rejection, pressure to recant their faith, and exclusion from inheritance and community life. Refusal to perform traditional rites often results in intimidation. Meanwhile, Catholic and Protestant church leaders who speak against state corruption or advocate for constitutional rights risk threats, surveillance, and harassment. Church activities are disrupted and clergy publicly vilified. This contributes to a climate of fear in which calls for justice are systematically silenced.
Christians living in eastern DRC experience the brunt of persecution. The ADF is extremely active there and regularly targets Christians and faith communities. Christian leaders are often more vulnerable. They can be singled out by extremist groups and face pressure from both government and rebel forces if they speak out about human rights abuses. Finally, converts from Islam can face pressure and ostracisation from their families and communities.
– For believers facing violence and displacement for their faith. Ask God to give them hope even when life seems impossible.
– That the hearts of Islamic extremists are turned to Jesus and their crusade of hatred is replaced by God’s peace and joy.
– That God makes His people peacemakers among the different warring factions in the DRC.
Open Doors works through local partners and churches in the DRC to provide physical and spiritual support to persecuted Christians. This grows their resilience in the face of persecution through emergency aid, persecution-preparedness training, and discipleship.
