Tajikistan

Although officially there is freedom of religion, the Tajik identity is associated with being Muslim, and Christians face persecution from relatives, neighbours and local authorities, particularly in rural areas. Churches must register with the authorities and leaders are sometimes interrogated. Indigenous churches are monitored and access to Christian literature is restricted. Christians active in outreach risk harassment, beatings and arrest.

Examples of Persecution:

• In August 2011, a new law was passed that prohibited all religious activities to people under the age of 18.
• In 2010, a load of Christian literature was discovered and confiscated. The people transporting the literature were arrested and interrogated.

Open Doors is: supporting the Church in Tajikistan and promoting worldwide prayer for believers

Please Pray:

• That believers involved in outreach to remote areas of the country would see much fruit for their work
• That where the influence of Islamic fundamentalism is growing believers would be given strength to stand firm
• Tajik authorities are considering a new religious law that would further limit religious freedom. Pray that this law will not be passed.