China, Russia lead governments guilty of destroying church properties

July 11, 2014

In a survey of government seizures and destruction of properties owned by religious groups, the Pew Forum has found that such incidents have occurred most frequently in Russia, China, and Tajikistan.

The Pew study, covering destruction of church properties by governments since 2007, found recorded incidents in 34 different countries scattered around the world. The incidents were most common in the Middle East and northern Africa, and least common in the Americas.

Following Russia, China, and Tajikistan, the countries most frequently guilty of destroying church property were Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Syria, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Angola, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• A look at the damage governments inflict on religious property (Pew Forum)