Muslim communities exert pressure on converts, and the government imposes many restrictions.
bottomThere are no quotes we can publicly share from Kyrgyzstan.
In Kyrgyzstan, local authorities have considerable power and tend to be under the influence of the local Muslim community. This has strong repercussions, especially for converts to Christianity.
Russian Orthodox churches experience the fewest problems from the government as they do not usually attempt to evangelise the Kyrgyz population. Communities of believers that do reach out to share the gospel can come under pressure and even attack.
Local Christians who have converted from Islam bear the brunt of persecution. Some converts are locked up for long periods by their families and beaten. Local Islamic teachers preach against conversion, leading some converts to be expelled from their communities.
Women are not free to choose their religion and face persecution if they convert to Christianity. The tight structure of society means women are also targeted for persecution as a means of inflicting psychological harm on their husbands or other family members. Over the years, Christian women and girls have suffered verbal and physical abuse, home detention, forced marriage, family violence, and rape.
Converts from Islam are most persecuted, as they can face pressure from family, community, and the state. This takes place especially outside of urban centres.
– Pray for Kyrgyz Christians who are persecuted for their faith by relatives and their community.
– Pray for the safety of all persecuted Christians in Kyrgyzstan.
– Ask God to change the hearts of the Kyrgyz people toward Christians.
Open Doors helps Christians in Central Asia who face persecution for their faith. Through our local partners, we provide immediate aid and support through literature distribution, prayer, training, and various social and economic projects such as rehabilitation centres.
