Churches and their leaders are labelled terrorists and coup-plotters.
bottom“There is a crisis of fear in Nicaragua. As pastors, we don't know how to address the anxiety, stress, and fear.”
– Pablo*
Hostility toward Christians in Nicaragua continues to intensify. Those who speak out against President Ortega and his government are viewed as destabilising agents. Changes to the law in recent years mean that church leaders are labelled terrorists and coup-plotters. The situation has deteriorated significantly since 2018, when widespread protests broke out against the country’s dictatorial regime. Years later, retribution continues against those perceived to have opposed the regime—even those who merely provided shelter and medical assistance during the protests.
Christians have been among those to raise their voice, but it’s coming at an alarming cost. Christian leaders have been harassed and arrested, Christian properties seized, Christian schools, TV stations and charities closed, and churches monitored and intimidated. In light of these pressures, many Christians—particularly church leaders—have felt forced to flee the country. Many more have been expelled and expatriated. Others who remain have been subjected to immigration restrictions and find it increasingly difficult to move freely within the country.
Christians continue to have an influence in Nicaragua, and this is one of the reasons the government targets them – aiming not just to silence the Church, but to undermine their credibility and prevent their message from spreading.
Persecution is present throughout the country, at all levels. In the last year, political repression and social unrest have escalated. Government repression has affected the lives and freedom of Christians in the country and has hindered churches from ministering. Hundreds of Christian organisations have lost their legal status due to arbitrary government decisions, making it much more difficult for the Church in Nicaragua to continue supporting those most in need.
Those who express opposition to the government’s dictatorial measures are likely to face hostility, harassment, censorship, threats, detentions, and physical violence.
– For God’s protection over church leaders courageously speaking out against injustice.
– That persecution preparedness training and discipleship seminars help believers live as salt and light.
– That believers monitored by the government won’t be deterred from sharing the gospel.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Nicaragua by providing Christian literature, discipleship training, emergency relief aid, legal advice, and education for pastors who have not completed their studies.
