Somalia, whose pirates who have been grabbing headlines over several ship hijackings, is also a place where Christians can face severe persecution.
Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors USA said that Christians in the country are often targeted and that 10 Christians were killed last year.
However, he also said that the work of spreading the Gospel was still making progress in the country.
"Many of Somalia's Christians have come to the faith from Islam, so they're Muslim-background believers," he said.
There are currently 4,000-5,000 Christians in Somalia, where 99 per cent of the population is Muslim. The country is currently number five on Open Door’s “World Watch List” of top persecutors of Christians.
Somalia has been plagued by war, drought, floods, famines and terrorism and has no effective government or security. Islamic militants also have a strong presence in the country.
Last year, a Christian Aid worker in the country was kidnapped and killed by Islamic militants for converting from Islam.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Pastor who gave sermon near abortion clinic stands trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
-
The Church needs to watch Channel 4's John Smyth documentary
Most Popular
related articles
Bishop says Somali piracy is 'fight back' against globalisation
Bishop says Somali piracy is 'fight back' against globalisation
News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth.
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches.
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.