World Relief & Open Doors US Release New Report on the Rise of Persecuted Christians & Global Displacement Around the World

365 Million Christians Worldwide Face Persecution

Contact: wr@pinkston.co

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 14, 2024) – World Relief and Open Doors US today published the State of the Golden Door Report, detailing the current state of religious persecution around the world and its connection to U.S. refugee resettlement and asylum policies. The report shows that, while progress has been made in terms of refugee resettlement, the number of Christians who face high levels of persecution or discrimination on account of their faith has also risen to 365 million, or 1 in 7 Christians worldwide. 

The report celebrates a dramatic increase in the resettlement of Christian refugees from the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution and discrimination, from 5,390 in fiscal year 2020 to 29,493 in fiscal year 2024, which ended two weeks ago. That represents a 447 percent increase and the highest number of Christian refugees resettled from these 50 countries since 2016.

World Relief and Open Doors US commend the Biden administration for this improvement, while also noting serious concerns with new asylum regulations that restrict access to asylum for persecuted Christians and others who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border. They urge both the Harris and Trump campaigns to commit to sustaining this relatively high level of refugee resettlement, with a particular concern for those fleeing persecution on account of their faith, alongside those fleeing persecution for other reasons. 

“We’re encouraged by the dramatic revival of the U.S. refugee resettlement program over the past few years, which has allowed the United States to offer refuge and welcome to more persecuted Christians in 2024 than in any year since 2016. Beyond refugee resettlement, as the Congress and both the current and next administration address the security and humanitarian challenges at the border, our commitment to protecting those with well-founded fears of persecution must remain non-negotiable,” said Myal Greene, President and CEO of World Relief. “As a nation, we cannot turn our backs on those seeking refuge from religious oppression. The price of inaction is far too high.” 

The report encourages U.S. Christians to stand with those who face persecution, both in prayer and in advocacy, and includes testimonies from resettled refugees, asylees and asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Algeria, Burma, Iran, Mexico and Pakistan. 

“Our hope and prayer is that this report equips and challenges fellow Christians to ensure that their witness remains strong in such a time as this,” said Ryan Brown, President and CEO of Open Doors US. “Christians around the world face persecution and many have been forced to flee their homes. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, who desperately need our advocacy and prayers.” 

Along with the release of the report, a press conference held today included commentary on the report and the connections between international religious freedom and U.S. refugee and asylum policies from international religious freedom experts. The following are quotes from leaders who spoke on the call:

Bishop Mark Seitz, Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration:

“I am grateful to World Relief and Open Doors for their continued efforts to shine a light on the persecution suffered by Christians and others across the globe, including through this excellent new report. Beyond simply acknowledging such persecution for the injustice that it is, I deeply appreciate the report’s unapologetic recognition that a failure to respond adequately to the needs of those fleeing such abuse is an affront to God himself, who forms each of us in his own image.”

Knox Thames, former senior official at U.S. Department of State on religious freedom during the Obama and Trump Administrations, and author of Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom:

“America’s tradition of resettling those fleeing religious persecution reflects US interests and values. For instance, the US has a long history of providing refuge to those escaping religious persecution, from the first settlers fleeing persecution in Europe to Soviet Jews in the 20th century to Iranian Christians in the 21st century. Providing a haven for persecuted Christians and others suffering for their beliefs rescues people from harm while providing time to press for human rights reforms that can take years. As the report makes clear, a robust US refugee resettlement program saves lives.” 

Nadine Maenza, President, International Religious Freedom Secretariat:

“When the U.S. drops their [refugee admission] numbers, countries around the world all drop their numbers… So when we close our doors, guess what happens? Other countries close their doors, and it becomes an even larger problem in the world… More countries in the world should open their doors, and we have this opportunity to be a leader in providing refuge for those fleeing persecution.”

Through the State of the Golden Door Report and briefing, the organizations encourage policymakers, presidential candidates and everyday Christians to pray for persecuted individuals worldwide and to advocate for policies that prioritize religious freedom, sustain refugee resettlement, and ensure fair asylum processes.

To watch a recording of today’s press briefing, click here.