LONDON — COVID aid is being refused for Christians in some countries unless they refuse to renounce their faith in Christ. In response, Open Doors is mobilizing its partners in some of the worst-hit countries to provide vital emergency food supplies.

Persecution watchdog Open Doors UK & Ireland says it is “inundated” with reports of Christians worldwide who are being asked to renounce their faith in exchange for emergency COVID-19 aid.

Christians from countries including Bangladesh, India, Sudan, and Malaysia say they are facing an ultimatum – they must abandon their faith if they want to receive emergency food.

Illia Djadi Open Doors senior analyst on freedom of religion and belief in sub-Saharan Africa, says the biggest challenge in this region is how much the Christians rely on the support of their community in the midst of a crisis like this.

This kind of persecution is coming from the community. When a part of the community will turn against them and ask them to renounce otherwise they will not get that kind of support. The other scenario is aid from government and sometimes even international NGOs are channeled through local community leaders. So Christians at the end of the day have to choose between renouncing their faith or they will not get it.

Djadi concluded by urging prayer for Open Doors partners who are delivering urgently needs aid in the most affected communities.

We pray for protection for the safe delivery of this really needed aid so it can reach the marginalised groups. People who are in a desperate situation because of Covid-19.

About Open Doors UK

For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement, and Christian Community Restoration.

Read more news on World Missions and the Persecuted Church on Missions Box.