Christians experience pressure and persecution from family and authorities.
bottom“Praise be to God, these threats don’t stop believers gathering. In contrast, believers pray without ceasing for those who persecute them.”
– Pastor Zhenya*
*Name changed for security purposes
Despite Tajikistan having the highest percentage of Muslims in Central Asia, the country’s secular, dictatorial state maintains a tight grip on all religions. This includes Christians, especially those from Protestant groups who are deemed dangerous followers of “deviant” sects.
Since 2015, pressure on “unauthorised” gatherings—as held by Baptist, Evangelical, and Pentecostal groups—has increased, escalating the number of raids. With that has come more interrogations, fines, and the confiscation of materials. Religious activities involving under-18s are banned, and recent amendments seek to criminalise the underground religious education of children, which extends to online activity. With young people believed to make up 50% of the Tajik church, this is a huge obstacle to overcome.
Like other countries in Central Asia, the Russian Orthodox Church enjoys more freedom, largely because they seldom attempt to influence or evangelise the wider Tajik population. There are about 3,000 converts in Tajikistan. They are highly vulnerable to reprisals from their family and community, and authorities for “betraying” their ethnic and national identity. Given the dangers, many converts keep their faith secret.
Converts are at greatest risk of persecution, followed by those involved in non-traditional church communities that are active in outreach including Baptist, Evangelical, and Pentecostal groups. The situation remains difficult for many Christians. They continually experience pressure and harassment from the authorities and closer to home. Converts can suffer beatings, discrimination, and ostracisation. Mandatory military service also exposes Christians to persecution.
– That God keeps Christians safe even as they are monitored by the government. Pray He gives extra grace to church leaders.
– That God will protect believers deported from Tajikistan, especially Afghan Christians who fear being sent home.
– That God protects Open Doors’ partners throughout Central Asia as they deliver His Word and provide training.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Central Asia through literature distribution, livelihood support, women and children’s ministry, and prayer support.
