22/08/2026
🚨 We can no longer tolerate acts of religious violence towards our Church family all over the world. In the UK, haven’t we become too comfortable? I’m sure the last thing we all want to read today is something that makes us angry or anxious about the state of our world but there is a reality, and it is that people choose to experience unimaginable and unjust suffering because their lives have been deeply impacted by the love of Christ.
This past year, according to the Open Doors watchlist there have been over 4,800 recorded Christians who have been martyred for their faith. Not in violent acts of religious expression, but while worshipping secretly in their homes or walking down the street with a Bible smuggled in their pocket. We cannot allow our culture to sneak these stories quietly beyond our notice. Especially as our brothers and sisters live in obedience to the gospel as Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 - “If anyone wants to be my disciple they must deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow me.”
Today the United Nations recognises the day of “Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief,” and the global Church recognises this as a day to respect Christians that have died an unjust death in the same Spirit as Christ while reflecting on our own spiritual condition. Share this message with your community today. Pray for the state of our world and for those who are suffering.
Disclaimer: all information in this post is inspired by the Open Doors Watchlist website which we encourage you to check yourself. Names and some images used are made up to protect the identity of the individuals at risk.
If you feel inspired to help, check out these organisations: - Tag these people!
Open Doors UK & Ireland
Barnabais Aid
Release International
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)
Tearfund
Compassion UK
