Saudi Arabia
Public non-Muslim worship is forbidden, at the risk of arrest, imprisonment, flogging, deportation, and sometimes torture. Most Christians are expatriates; they are generally allowed to worship privately but some have been arrested, issued with death threats and forced into hiding. Recently there has been an increasing number of arrests. Most Saudi believers must keep their faith secret or risk honour killing – there was at least one last year.
Examples of Persecution:
- Two believers were arrested in January 2011 for attending a prayer meeting with Indian nationals, and were accused of converting Muslims to Christianity. Religious police interrogated and beat them and they were kept in horrible conditions in prison. They both returned to India after being released months later
- In October 2010, 12 Filipino Christians and a Catholic priest celebrating mass in a private apartment were arrested. The men were sent bck to the Philippines
Open Doors is: praying for believers
Please Pray:
- That those who find Jesus through satellite TV programs and the internet will find fellowship and spiritual encouragement
- That expatriate and Saudi church leaders will be kept safe and have courage and wisdom
- For freedom from fear for congregations whose leaders are in prison or hiding.