International Christian Concern | November 4, 2018
Every year, on the first Sunday in November, the Church comes together for the International Day of Pray for the Persecuted, commonly known as IDOP.
Religious persecution is broadly defined as the mistreatment of an individual or group based on their faith. The levels of persecution across the world range from acts of vandalism, job discrimination, and forced conversation, to imprisonment, torture, rape, and murder.
Unfortunately, this is an everyday occurrence around the world today. According to Open Doors USA, a persecution watchdog group, an estimated 255 Christians are killed, 104 are abducted, 180 women are victims of sexual violence as a result of their faith, 66 churches are attacked, and 160 Christians are detained without trial and imprisoned every month.
This Sunday, ICC is remembering those who have suffered this year for the sake of Christ, as they choose to deny themselves rather than the God they serve.