Is the North Korean church disappearing? Not at all

North Korea (MNN) — Christians are aware of many events in the global Church, but some news stays hidden because of government policy. When it comes to North Korea, it’s easy to forget how little reliable information actually gets out.

What would you do if headlines claimed North Korea had nearly wiped out underground churches? Eric Foley of Voice of the Martyrs Korea urges a fact check. Recent reports made that claim, but the reality is more complex.

“We have to be really careful readers about information about North Korea,” Foley says.

A militaristic North Korea poster (photo courtesy of Mark Fahey via Wikimedia Commons)

First, because the authorities try to withhold the true facts from the outside world, especially about Christians.

“When the North Korean government carries out its policies successfully, what that means is no information about North Korean Christians leaks to the outside world,” Foley explains.

Secondly, they don’t make announcements about believers in this manner.

“They’d have to admit that they [Christians] existed, and they’d have to admit that there’s no freedom of religion in North Korea,” Foley says. And this would go against their public statements about religious freedom.

“Their goal is to eliminate any news going to the outside world indicating that Christians are facing horrible persecution in North Korea,” Foley adds.

Korean Commons Translations Bible Anglican Edition 1999 (photo courtesy of Alvis Jean via Wikimedia Commons)

Foley says the opposite of eradication is happening: churches are growing. “In North Korea, the nature of church growth and persecution continues to develop,” he says.

So what can we do?

First, pray for North Korean believers without ceasing. And second, “Let’s not rely on media to set our prayer calendar,” Foley says. Even when there’s little or outdated news, it doesn’t mean nothing is happening — it just means the facts are concealed.

Reach out to ministries or media engaged in intercession or working with the North Korean church to inform your prayers, including VOM Korea.

Header photo: Woman embroidery in North Korea (photo courtesy of David Clayton Ellsworth via Wikimedia Commons).