PRAY FOR YEMEN
– For God to bring peace and justice to Yemen.
– For God to protect Yemeni Christians vulnerable to attack from Islamic extremists.
– That God will help the underground Church in Yemen flourish.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Yemen
#3The tribal punishment for denouncing Islam can be banishment or death.
bottom“Religious freedom in Yemen is non-existent. If you are discovered practicing Christianity or evangelising, you are imprisoned, and all your belongings are taken away."
– Salman, Yemeni church leader
Country
Profile
- Region
- Middle East
- Sources of persecution
- Clan Oppression
- Population
- 35,220,000
- Christian population
- Very Few
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- Chairperson, Presidential Council Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi
- Score
- 94
What’s Life Like For Christians?
In a country torn apart by civil war, life is hard for everyone in Yemen. But It’s especially hard for Christians.
The country is now divided into territories ruled by three different powers including al-Qaeda. None of the powers are sympathetic to believers. Yemen’s official constitution upholds Sharia (Islamic) law. There’s no freedom of religion. The 1% of Yemenis from minority religions are severely marginalised.
If reported for being a Christian or for involvement in Christian activities, believers could face severe monitoring, arbitrary detention, and torture. They could even be killed. It’s dangerous to possess a Bible or other Christian books in areas controlled by the Houthi (Shiite extremists). Since they gained power, persecution has increased.
Leaving Islam to follow Christ is seen as a huge betrayal of the native tribe. Punishment by the community can include being disowned, disinherited, divorced, losing custody of children, being banished or even killed.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
All Christians are in danger in Yemen. Those in Houthi-held areas live under the strictest prohibitions against Christianity. With a high degree of monitoring and spying, it’s very difficult for Christians to meet up in person and online. Those trying to survive in places ruled by al-Qaeda are also in danger of being discovered and killed.
Increasing Houthi power and further radicalisation means dozens of Christian house churches can no longer meet. There’s more fear than a year ago and fewer opportunities to talk about Jesus.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors’ partners support the body of Christ in Yemen by raising prayer, distributing relief aid, training believers and pastors, and offering shelter, protection, and livelihood support to persecuted believers and their relatives.
