Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you, when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Censorship and Media Bias: Christians often face biased media coverage or censorship of Christian perspectives, values, & views. This leads to misrepresentation, negative stereotypes, and lack of fair representation in the media. Christians may also be de-platformed by hostile groups.
Negative Stereotyping: Christians are often subjected to negative stereotypes and biases, portraying them as bigoted, intolerant, or outdated. These stereotypes can contribute to a hostile environment and limit opportunities for open dialogue and understanding.
Propaganda Against Christianity: There are bodies propagating anti-Christian propaganda, portraying Christianity as a dangerous or oppressive influence that threatens a nation's stability or freedom. Propaganda aims to create a negative perception of Christians & isolate them from society.
Education Restrictions: Christian students and teachers can encounter restrictions on expressing their faith or teaching theology in educational institutions. For example, restrictions on prayer, religious symbols, or discussions of Christian beliefs may limit their freedom of expression.
Intolerance on University Campuses: Christian students and Christian campus organizations sometimes face challenges in expressing their faith on university campuses. They may encounter restrictions on religious activities and face opposition and hostility from other students or staff.
Social Exclusion and Ridicule: Christians may experience social exclusion, ridicule, or mockery for their beliefs and values. Their views on issues such as marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of life can be met with hostility or dismissal, leading to marginalization.
Social and Economic Boycott: In certain areas, Christian communities have experienced social and economic boycotts, where they face exclusion from local markets, services, and social gatherings due to their faith.
Restrictions on Christian Symbols: There have been cases where restrictions are imposed on Christian symbols, such as crosses or religious displays, in public spaces or workplaces. These restrictions can limit the public expression of Christian faith and symbols.
Legal Challenges: Christians often face legal challenges related to religious freedom. This includes cases where Christians are sued or face legal consequences for upholding their religious beliefs, restrictions on religious gatherings, or challenges of conscience like providing services or protesting.
Destruction of Churches and Cultural Heritage: Christian churches and historical sites have been targeted and destroyed by extremists and governments, causing irreparable damage to rich Christian heritage. These destructive acts aim to erase the presence of Christianity in the region.
Workplace Discrimination: Some Christians experience discrimination in the workplace due to their faith. They may face harassment, biased treatment, or limitations on expressing their religious beliefs, leading to a hostile work environment.
Government Control: The government sometimes tightly control religious activities, including Christian worship, church building and require religious groups to register with state-approved organizations. This leads to limited freedom of religious expression & interference in churches.
Restrictions on Evangelism: Governments have imposed restrictions on evangelism, in the name of offending people. Foreign missionaries find it especially difficult to operate. Missionaries must navigate complex regulations, and many face expulsion or restrictions on their activities.
State Religion: The government may promote Islam, secularism or state atheism and view Christianity as a threat to its ideology. It actively suppresses religious freedom and seeks to eradicate contrary beliefs, including Christianity. Christians are forced underground into home churches.
Surveillance and Monitoring: Citizens are subjected to extensive surveillance and monitoring by the government. This includes the use of facial recognition technology, monitoring of online activities, and infiltration of churches to gather information on Christians and their activities.
Religious Conversions: Christians who seek to convert from Islam to Christianity face significant challenges and risks. Apostasy leaves converts vulnerable to societal and legal repercussions. Christians often face both forced conversions and false allegations of engaging in them.
Bible Ban: Bibles may be prohibited from public institutions and schools. The possession and distribution of Bibles or any Christian literature can be strictly prohibited. Owning a Bible may be considered a criminal offence, and those found with one can face severe punishment.
Forced Displacement: Many Christians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution. They have become internally displaced within the country or sought refuge in neighbouring countries, resulting in the significant decline of Christian populations in some areas.
Kidnappings and Ransom: Christians, including priests and religious leaders, have been subjected to kidnappings for ransom. These abductions have caused immense fear and insecurity within the Christian community.
Persecution by Extremist Groups: Christian communities have been targeted by extremist groups - particularly churches during service, but also Christian areas and schools. Groups have carried out attacks, killings, sex crimes, and abductions, leading to displacement & persecution of Christians.
Forced Labour: Christians who are caught practising their faith or found to have connections with foreign religious organizations may be subjected to forced labour as a form of punishment. They are often forced to work in harsh conditions and denied their basic rights.
Imprisonment and Torture: Christians face imprisonment, torture, and even execution for practising their faith. They are often sent to political prison camps where they endure inhumane conditions and are subjected to physical and psychological abuse.