On Easter, some Christians become targets for persecution

For Christians in America, Easter is a time for pastel-colored egg hunts and chocolate candies, warm family gatherings and celebratory church services. But for the faithful in many places around the world, Easter can be a time of trepidation and violence.

From Southeast Asia to Sub-Saharan Africa, those who gather to worship and remember Jesus’ resurrection during Holy Week may face an elevated risk to their lives and livelihoods. Believers in many of these countries are routinely persecuted throughout the year, and they become easy targets on Easter. Time and again, the world has witnessed how religious extremists, oppressive governments and bad actors violently exploit these holiest of Christian holidays.