Mauritania is staunchly Islamic; Christian activities are severely restricted.
bottomIt is unsafe from a believer from Mauritania to share.
Mauritania is staunchly Islamic, and Christian activities are severely restricted, making it difficult for Christians to express their faith. For those who convert from Islam, it’s almost impossible.
Christianity is viewed as a negative Western influence, and Christian converts face severe hostility both from the authorities and from their families. Apostasy is legally punishable by death. Converts risk expulsion from the family home and loss of livelihood; they may even be forced to leave the country. The presence of Islamist groups also constitutes a threat to those who leave Islam.
Baptisms can only be carried out secretly, but many converts are reluctant to do this, fearing the awful consequences of discovery.
Although the growth of the internet and social media helps converts to connect with other Christians, this is still fraught with difficulty due to slow technological development in many regions as well as a lack of privacy within families.
The overall political, economic, and social situation in Mauritania makes the country conducive for radical Islam, meaning life for our Mauritanian family may yet get harder. However, a growing number of Mauritanians study abroad, while increased internet accessibility may also lead to more openness among young people.
In Mauritania’s tribal society, women are subject to the authority of their fathers and husbands. Christian women who have converted from Islam are thought to have brought shame to their families. This can lead to house arrest, bullying, forced marriage, or divorce.
Christian men who come from a Muslim background are also deemed to have brought shame on their families, and the consequences can be severe including ostracism, expulsion, physical abuse, and charges of apostasy.
– That converts will be encouraged to press on in their faith despite the dangers.
– For fresh opportunities for believers to gather and share their faith with others.
– For a softening of the nation’s strict Islamic views and more religious freedom
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.
