PRAY FOR LIBYA
– Pray for stability and that order will come to Libya.
– Ask God to protect migrant Christians from Islamic extremists.
– Pray that God would help His people be able to find fellowship with one another.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Libya
#3Due to lawlessness and extremism, there is no safe part of Libya for believers.
bottomIt's too dangerous for any Libyan believer to share a quote.
Country
Profile
- Region
- North Africa
- Sources of persecution
- Islamic Oppression
- Population
- 7,119,000
- Christian population
- 35,100
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- Interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah
- Score
- 91
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Libya is extremely politically unstable. Much of the country exists in a sort of perpetual anarchy, ruled over by militias linked to the official government or the army, both with strong Islamist influences. Christians are targeted by Islamic extremists, who face no consequence due to lawlessness.
The country is an extremely dangerous place to follow Jesus. This year, the violence against believers rose. It’s clear there is no safe part of Libya for any believer. Following Jesus is likely to result in extreme pressure and violence.
Converts from Islam face the most intense and violent pressure from their family and community. They risk house arrest, attack, abduction, sexual violence, and murder. It is incredibly dangerous for converts to meet forworship, and church life is almost non-existent.
Even Christians who aren’t Libyan or converts are at risk. Christians from Sub-Saharan Africa—many of whom come to Libya as displaced people trying to get to Europe—face additional risk. Because of their lack of official status, they face the risk of kidnapping, trafficking, and abuse.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Christians are most at risk in parts of Libya where Islamic extremists are active. This vulnerability leads many foreign Christians to avoid travelling around the country at all. Converts are extremely vulnerable to violence and abuse from their community and family.
Additionally, migrant Christians who are arrested and detained while trying to reach Europe can face deadly pressure because they can be abducted and forced into heavy labour or even pushed into sex work.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors works with local partners and churches in North Africa to provide leadership and discipleship training, livelihood support, legal aid, trauma counselling, Bibles, and pastoral care.
