PRAY FOR TUNISIA
– For converts from Islam to be sheltered from abuse and rejection.
– Ask God to help Tunisian Christians forbidden from worshipping publicly.
– That God will guide communities of Christians that can help them grow in faith.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Tunisia
#34Almost all Christians come from a Muslim background and make up a tiny minority.
bottom"We have resilience because we know who our Saviour is. I rejoice as more hardship makes young people come to Him."
– Aizah
Country
Profile
- Region
- Africa
- Sources of persecution
- Islamic Oppression
- Population
- 12,565,000
- Christian population
- 23,300
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- President Kais Saied
- Score
- 70
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Tunisian Christians face hostility from society, and most choose to worship in private. Converts from Islam whose new faith is discovered are considered to have brought “shame” on their families. They can face rejection and threats from their families and communities.
Christians who have migrated from other countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa, also live in Tunisia. These believers are largely left alone if they don’t share their faith with Tunisian Muslims. However, political rhetoric about migrants has caused such harsh racial abuse many have fled the country.
Being known as a Christian affects a Tunisian’s reputation, their job security and, in the worst cases, can result in complete rejection or abuse from their Muslim family and community. The authorities monitor church gatherings. Despite this, the Church in North Africa is growing.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Believers from Muslim families have most to fear from their own communities. This is especially true in the south of the country, where the Islamic population is more conservative. Urban areas and especially the capital, Tunis, offer possibilities to escape family pressure and live as a believer in the anonymity of the big city.
Female converts are specifically at risk. If a woman’s faith is discovered this can lead to beatings, house arrest, forced marriage, divorce, and the loss of custody of her children.
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.
