PRAY FOR UZBEKISTAN
– That believers will continue to worship despite police raids and violence.
– That the Holy Spirit will soften the hearts of Uzbek authorities.
– That God will provide for those facing job instability due to their faith.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Uzbekistan
#25Churches are often raided, and attendees may be threatened, arrested, or fined.
bottom"The constant danger and pressure for my faith and ministry exhausted me. I could hardly meet anyone or help people as a pastor."
– Azamat*
Country
Profile
- Region
- Central Asia
- Sources of persecution
- Dictatorial Paranoia
- Population
- 34,809,000
- Christian population
- 352,000
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
- Score
- 71
What’s Life Like For Christians?
The Religious Law in Uzbekistan requires all religious groups to register their activity, causing severe restrictions. Despite a majority Islamic presence, Uzbekistan’s secular government does not permit any religious gatherings outside of state-run and state-controlled institutions.
In this predominately Muslim culture, Christians are the vast minority. Believers suffer from beatings, kidnappings, and loss of all job prospects. They are often seen as extremists by the government, resulting in fines, detainment, and abuse for holding ‘illegal’ gatherings.
Christians may be arrested for teaching children about Jesus, possessing Christian literature, or even having worship music on their smartphones.
The death of the previous ruler, President Islam Karimov, instilled some hope for more freedom for Christians in Uzbekistan; however, the extremity of restrictions enforced on religious groups ceased to change. Believers who have converted from Muslim backgrounds continue to face severe pressure and persecution for their faith.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Christians from a Muslim background in Uzbekistan are most vulnerable to persecution. This is not only enforced by the authorities, believers also experience persecution from family and local communities, which is often most prevalent in more rural areas.
Due to the extremist Islamic culture, women are especially vulnerable when they convert to Christianity. Those who convert from Islam can face isolation, house arrest, kidnapping, forced marriage, divorce, verbal abuse, and violence.
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.
