PRAY FOR OMAN
– That Omani society becomes more accepting of Christianity.
– Thank God that He is revealing himself to locals through dreams.
– That local partners working in the region would serve faithfully.
“Believers might be mocked, or the family will find other ways to shame the believers.”
– Daniel*, a believer from the Arabian Peninsula
Country
Profile
- Region
- Middle East
- Sources of persecution
- Islamic Oppression
- Population
- 5,324,000
- Christian population
- 193,000
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- Sultan and Prime Minister Haytham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said
- Score
- 65
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Omanis who convert to Christianity face pressure from their families and, more widely, from society, to renounce their faith. They may be expelled from the family home, and in some cases lose their jobs. Disinheritance is common, and if married, they may struggle to see their children, finding themselves on the losing side of a custody battle.
Migrant workers who convert to Christianity typically experience the same pressure they would in their home countries as they often live within their own national or ethnic communities. This could mean relative freedom for some, but intense persecution for others.
Expatriate Christian communities are tolerated, but they do experience surveillance and restrictions. All Christian organisations must register themselves with the authorities, and their meetings are monitored to record any political statements and if any Omanis are attending.
What has changed this year?
Pressure remained at an extremely high level for Christians, especially converts from Islam to Christianity, and Christians remain closely monitored by the government. Oman has fallen 11 places on the World Watch List – while there was a small decrease in the number of violent incidents reported against Christians, this fall is mostly due to persecution increasing in other countries.
