Maldives declares itself 100% Muslim — there is no room for public Christianity.
bottomIt is unsafe for a Maldivian believer to share.
To be Maldivian is to be Muslim, and that makes converting to Christianity extremely dangerous. In this conservative and tightly knit country, where neighbours and shopkeepers could report any signs of deviation, converts must practise their faith in absolute secrecy. That’s because the country’s constitution states the Maldives is “100% Muslim”.
This is an isolating existence, particularly since there are no official churches in the Maldives. It means attempts to gather as believers are fraught with risk. Even accessing Christian content online is impossible, as the government has outlawed the online access of non-Islamic materials. Although prosecutions are rare, the fear of surveillance and arrest is constant. Many converts choose to flee abroad if they have the means to do so. For those who remain, secrecy and pressure define daily life.
Those discovered to be Christian experience severe opposition from the authorities as well as from their families and local community. Women who follow Jesus face forced marriage, domestic violence, divorce, or loss of child custody – all attempts to ‘restore’ them to Islam.
Given the Maldives’ reputation as a holiday island paradise, persecution towards Christians largely takes place away from the tourist hotspots. Those who convert from Islam face the most severe persecution, while immigrants and migrant workers who share their Christian faith can quickly find themselves in trouble with the authorities.
In a culture where gender-based violence is often excused within the home, Christian women are highly vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse, deepening their isolation.
– Right now, the complete Bible has yet to be translated into the native language of the Maldives. Ask God to change that this year.
– Pray for converts from Islam, that they will be protected.
– Christians, especially converts, are forced to worship in secret. Ask God to bless these courageous fellowships.
Open Doors raises prayer support for our persecuted family in the Maldives.
