Somalia

The tiny number of ethnic Somali Christians practise their faith in secret under extremely dangerous conditions. At least ten Christians, including four teachers, were killed for their faith in 2008 and several others kidnapped and raped. Fighting between Somali Islamic militias and Ethiopian forces reportedly led to increasing hostility towards Christians in some areas. Islam is the official religion; there is no legal provision for religious freedom.

Examples of Persecution:

• Two Muslim extremists murdered a member of a secret Christian community after entering his house in April 2011
• A 17-year-old girl in Somalia who converted to Christianity from Islam was shot to death in November 2010, in an apparent "honour killing."

Open Doors is: raising awareness and prayer support for the handful of believers in Somalia

Please Pray:

• For an end to the chronic political instability and fighting in this war-torn country
• For the handful of believers to grow in a healthy understanding of their faith, and that their freedom to worship will be recognised
• For Somali converts who struggle greatly when cast out of their family and clan