All citizens are considered Muslim and public churches are banned.
bottom“A [Saudi Christian] martyred by her brother wrote a letter before her death asking that her people would leave fellow Christians alone ... that all should be free to choose Jesus if they like.”
– Alaa*
*Name changed for security purposes
Nationalism and Islam are intertwined in Saudi Arabia, with Mecca and Medina venerated as significant sites by all Muslims worldwide. All Saudi citizens are considered Muslim, and Islamic principles and writings govern the way the country functions.
Converting from Islam technically carries the death sentence, though there has been no recent documentation of official executions for this offence. Public churches are banned and converts must try to keep their faith a secret. If discovered, they face being disowned and attacked by their families and clans. Government officials can target Saudi Christians at the request of family or community members. Despite all this, the small number of converts is growing.
Most Christians in Saudi Arabia are migrant workers. They are affected by difficult policies, exploitation, enhanced surveillance of communications, and can face abuse for their ethnicity and low social status. They are prohibited from sharing their faith and risk arrest and deportation if discovered.
Christian converts from Islam remain incredibly vulnerable. They are seen as deeply dishonouring their families and country, which can trigger violent responses from family members. Expatriate Christians who come to Saudi Arabia for work also face difficulties, including being banned from sharing their faith with Muslims or establishing churches. As migrant workers they are doubly vulnerable and are at risk of exploitation and abuse.
– That God makes a way for secret believers to find fellowship with one another.
– That expatriate believers who meet in secret can continue worshipping without hindrance.
– For God to reach people in Saudi Arabia through dreams and visions.
Open Doors raises prayer support for believers in Saudi Arabia.
