Over 60 Christians Killed in Recent Attacks, Ministry Responds, Calling on International Community Support
SANTA ANA, California, June 11, 2024 – Following the recent ISIS attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 60 Christians were murdered in the Masala area of Beni, the terrorist group formally announced the following, claiming responsibility via Telegram post for the massacre: “Central African state: More than 60 Christians were killed, including a Congolese army officer, in an attack by Caliphate soldiers in eastern Congo.”
In light of this devastating attack, an Open Doors field representative in the DRC has issued the following statement, highlighting the national reality for Christians and exhorting international community support:
"The rate at which Christian communities continue to be attacked in eastern DRC by the ADF is horrifying. These attacks continue unabated, displacing thousands of people from their homes, farmlands and livelihoods. We call on the international community to do everything in its power to ensure the Government of DRC faithfully and transparently protects all affected communities and that the displaced receive the support they need in these circumstances.”
- Jo Newhouse, OD Field spokesperson for the work in Sub-Saharan Africa
Open Doors’ World Watch List ranks the DRC as #41 among the nations where Christians face the most extreme persecution around the globe. Although Christians make up 95% of the national population, there are regions in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo that remain a key target of radical attackers. The primary threats to Christians there are oppression from Islamic groups, organized corruption and crime, dictatorial paranoia and clan abuse from a portion of more than 100 local armed groups, some of whom specifically target followers of Jesus. This leaves Christians and churches in this part of the country vulnerable to attacks, including through the following forms of persecution:
· Murder
· Abduction
· Sexual violence
· Targeted attacks on those who speak out against the violence
· Displacement due to violence
In response, Open Doors continues working through local partners to support Christians in the DRC through persecution survival training, economic empowerment projects and trauma care, magnifying local ministry efforts amid this tragedy. For more information on Christian persecution in the DRC and Open Doors’ mission in this nation, visit: https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/persecution/countries/drc/.
About Open Doors US
Open Doors US is one of 25 national Open Doors International (ODI) bases located around the world. Founded in 1955, Open Doors has continued to serve persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries, and is known for its annual World Watch List, the ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Ryan Brown serves as Open Doors US president and CEO.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
214-912-8934