by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - A new report by the Open Doors Christian persecution watchdog shows that Christian women in countries ruled by oppressive regimes are being increasingly subjected to forced marriage, the Christian Daily reports. The report reveals that Christian women face the threat of forced marriage in 84% of the countries ranked on the Open Doors World Watch List of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Titled the 2024 Gender Report, the Open Doors research draws particular attention to the plight of Christian women facing forced marriage. Islamic majority Pakistan, for instance, ranks 7 on the WWL and has been widely reported for allowing Christians to be forced into denying their faith and marrying Muslims.
“The number of Christian girls (and those from other minority religions) abducted, abused and forcefully converted to Islam (frequently backed by lower courts) is growing [in Pakistan],” Open Doors reports on its website.
In their latest Gender Report, the Open Doors researchers note: “This year, faith-based forced marriage was identified as a risk for Christian women and girls in 84% of the WWL countries; a concerningly common practice. Forced marriage is a form of exploitation and control and in many contexts, this risk is interwoven with sexual violence… young female Christian converts from a Muslim background can be forced into marriage to keep them from dishonoring their families for leaving the faith," the researchers said.
“As these courageous women face increased persecution, we are witnessing their undying faith in Jesus all the more,” Open Doors US COO Sarah Cunningham added.