Persecuted Christians in Africa

For those who have heard stories about persecuted Christians in Africa, it might be surprising to learn that nearly 50 per cent of all Africans are Christians. And for those used to reading about religious freedom violations, it might also seem peculiar that, in many cases, government officials have nothing to do with suffering Christians on this continent.

Nevertheless, the torment for countless African Christians is extreme. And the suffering they endure is no less real than that of Christians in any other persecuted region.

An invisible, but easily identifiable, line extends across the continent of Africa. Beginning on the west coast of Sierra Leone, and moving straight eastward to the Indian Ocean, is where the bulk of persecution takes place. The vast majority of African Christians reside south of this line. On the other hand, the northern population is almost entirely Muslim.

Where these two religions meet is nothing short of a full scale collision. And Christians in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia face the brunt of this conflict on a daily basis. Christians in this area experience a different kind of pain. Let me explain.

When a northern African acknowledges faith in Jesus Christ, he is viewed as a traitor to his family, his neighbors, and his culture. And choosing to accept this status does not come without its consequences. African Christians often forfeit their burial rights, their standing within the community, and the love of their family.
In addition, African culture does not view child custody in the same light as most Westerners. The dowry given for a marriage often dictates to whom a child belongs. As a result, many Muslim families have taken children away from their parents when the mother or father converted to Christianity. And yes, violence is involved here as well.

In several instances, the persecution of African Christians has also included violence. Even in recent days, religious extremists have struck out with horrendous acts of torture.

Compass reports that a Nigerian pastor and 48 members of his congregation were among 200 killed February 2004. Religious militants had attacked the church in a rampage within the predominantly Christian village. In addition, they went through the village killing Christians and burning down their houses.

Compass goes on to report that, the day after the pastors funeral, a group of bandits burned down two additional church sanctuaries. But there is power through prayer.
In the midst of such extreme pain and violence, Africans are still turning to Jesus Christ, and we in the West need to lift up these Christians in our prayers. We need to ask God to provide them protection as well as the strength to live out their faith on a daily basis.

Christians in the West can also pray for those who are committing the crimes against Christianity. Pray that they, like the Apostle Paul, will turn away from their wickedness and come to fully understand the grace of our loving God.