Churches Worldwide Join in Day of Prayer for the Persecuted

As many as 100,000 congregations worldwide and millions of Christians are participating in a day of prayer for the persecuted church Sunday.

Known as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, the annual event was launched over 20 years ago by the World Evangelical Alliance, with other Christian human rights groups adding their support.

Godfrey Yogarajah, executive director of the WEA's Religious Liberty Commission, told The Christian Post that the observance was meant to "bring together concentrated prayer during a specific period for persecuted believers worldwide."

"Our hope is that the IDOP will serve in bringing awareness to the global church on the persecution of Christians worldwide and inspire them to respond to the needs of suffering believers," said Yogarajah.

"At the same time, our hope is also that the IDOP would be a source of encouragement to the persecuted and a reminder that they are part of a global family of believers who are standing in solidarity with them."