Story perspectives

Open Doors Launches World Watch List 2026 in NI

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Open Doors launched the World Watch List 2026 at Stormont, Northern Ireland, marking its first event there in over ten years.
MLA Gordon Lyons hosted the event.
Henrietta Blyth, chief executive officer of Open Doors, discussed global persecution trends.
A Somali believer shared a personal testimony about persecution of Christians.
Open Doors outlined five actionable steps for MLAs to address persecution, aiming to strengthen collaboration with Northern Ireland decision-makers.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, the United Nations reported over 90,000 Christians were killed for their faith worldwide, highlighting a troubling trend of religious persecution. At the 2026 World Watch List launch in Northern Ireland, Open Doors CEO Henrietta Blyth and MLA Gordon Lyons called for local leaders to combat these violations, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and the need for political action.

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Story summary

Open Doors launched the World Watch List 2026 at Stormont, Northern Ireland, marking its first event there in over ten years.
MLA Gordon Lyons hosted the event.
Henrietta Blyth, chief executive officer of Open Doors, discussed global persecution trends.
A Somali believer shared a personal testimony about persecution of Christians.
Open Doors outlined five actionable steps for MLAs to address persecution, aiming to strengthen collaboration with Northern Ireland decision-makers.

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