What does ‘church’ look like in North Korea?
There are a small number of churches in Pyongyang, but these exist largely for propaganda. Only a select group is allowed to attend, such as foreigners or those known to be loyal to the regime. In the words of a North Korean defector: ‘They are fake, totally fake.’
Our research shows that there is some kind of ‘underground church’, but it is not like other countries. It’s understood that groups operate on a very small scale – a handful of people or even just within families – and a high level of secrecy.
One expert we interviewed said that, from his experience, North Korean Christians are ‘not waiting for the current regime to blow over and find a more suitable time to be Christian.’
Find out more at csw.org.uk/NorthKoreaReport2024
Please pray:
- For the safety and encouragement of Christians in North Korea, and for those who have managed to escape.
- That China would stop illegally repatriating North Korean refugees – returning them to certain danger.
- For the immediate, unconditional release of all currently detained in prison camps.
- For three South Korean missionaries who are serving life sentences in North Korea – detained incommunicado. Pray urgently for their whereabouts to be made known: Pastor Kim Jung-wook (arrested October 2013), Pastor Kim Kook-kie (arrested October 2014), Pastor Choi Chun-gil(arrested December 2014)
- For an end to the violent, targeted persecution of Christians across the nation. Although all religions and beliefs are repressed under the Kim regime, Christianity is particularly targeted.
Sunday 3 November:
Día Internacional de Oración por la Iglesia Perseguida
Join our online prayer gathering, together with the Evangelical Alliance, Open Doors and Release International. Visit csw.org.uk/IDOP to book your free place.
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