Al-Qaida cited in persecution of 200 million Christians
A report by Britain's intelligence service MI6 reveals for the first time an estimated 200 million Christians in 60 countries are now facing persecution orchestrated, in part, by al-Qaida.
By Michael Rush Monday, June 4, 2007
The report has been sent to the pope and church leaders. It is the first time the secret intelligence service has shared its information with religious leaders.
"We do so because we believe the situation is extremely serious," said an MI6 source.
The report is based on details from MI6 agents stationed in the countries. North Korea is identified as the world's worst repressor of Christians. More than 50,000 Christians are incarcerated in work camps because they refuse to submit to the extreme views rigorously enforced by the country's dictator, Kim Jong-il.
An estimated 40,000 Christians are imprisoned in China for their beliefs. The MI6 analysis calculates there are some 70 million "active Christians" in the People's Republic, all living in a climate of fear because of their beliefs.