Contemporary observation
World Watch List 2026 — 388 million Christians exposed to high levels of persecution
highly compatible · Observation ≠ proven fulfilment
2026
See the full entry: sources, objections, answersWhat is reported
Open Doors counts more than 388 million Christians exposed to high levels of persecution or discrimination, 15 countries at the “extreme” level, 4,849 Christians killed for their faith, 4,712 detained, 3,632 churches or properties attacked, and 224,129 people forced to flee their homes. The vast majority of documented deaths are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa.
Main objection (in French for now)
The text sets no numerical threshold: no count, however high, can establish that a seal is open or that a phase has begun.
The text (World English Bible)
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. They cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.
Rev 6:9-11
It was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.
Rev 13:7
He will speak words against the Most High, and will wear out the saints of the Most High. He will plan to change the times and the law; and they will be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.
Dan 7:25
Sources
- World Watch List — pays où les chrétiens sont persécutés — Open Doors
- Persecution trends — Open Doors