PRAY FOR TURKMENISTAN
– That God would protect and sustain Christian converts.
– That leaders, despite constant surveillance, can continue their ministries.
– That God will soften the hearts of authorities.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Turkmenistan
#29There is no freedom of religion and Christians are closely monitored.
bottom“I am a family woman… but this situation put me into the position where I cannot be in my family. But I trust God will lead me through these difficult circumstances"
– Nadina
Country
Profile
- Region
- Central Asia
- Sources of persecution
- Dictatorial Paranoia
- Population
- 6,283,000
- Christian population
- 66,000
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov
- Score
- 70
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Despite Turkmenistan’s constitution allowing for religious freedom, there is little room for Christians to breathe. The dictatorial Islamic government uses a huge body of state agents such as police, secret services, and local imams to closely monitor all religious activities. All religious groups are required to register with the authorities, and all non-registered activities are banned.
The printing or importing of Christian materials is restricted, and surveillance stops Christians from expressing or sharing their faith. Unregistered or unapproved church groups are the targets of police raids, threats, arrests, and fines.
Christians who convert from Islam bear the brunt of persecution, not just from the authorities, but from their family, friends and the local community. Men can experience beatings, threats, disinheritance, and boycotting of businesses, while women can face house arrest, forced marriage, verbal abuse, threats, social rejection, and sexual assault.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Government hostility is consistent towards all Christians in Turkmenistan, but pressure towards Christian converts from family, friends and local communities is especially high in rural areas.
In this patriarchal Islamic culture, female converts may keep their faith a secret, otherwise, they are used as a target to intimidate other believers. Church leaders are viewed as responsible for leading people away from Islam and are confronted with the threat of violence to instil fear in congregations.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors strengthens persecuted Christians in Central Asia by providing Bibles and Christian literature, biblical and vocational training, medical and social care, socio-economic development projects, and children’s, youth, and women’s ministries
