Converting from Islam or sharing your faith can have severe consequences.
bottom“I used to be a bully, a troublemaker. I am a new creation now in Jesus Christ.”
– Tareq*, a believer from Jordan
In general, Jordan is more tolerant of Christianity compared to other places in the region. The monarchy has recognised multiple churches and allows them to worship, as long as they don’t preach publicly or reach out to Muslims. But even Christians in these communities report facing discrimination in the workplace, and the state actively monitors all approved churches.
Any Christian who is active in evangelism, is known to support converts from Islam, belongs to an unrecognised church, or is a convert from Islam, can experience pressure. Christians who convert from Islam can face threats of beating and killings, especially from their families and communities.
If their conversion becomes known, all official documents (including marriage certificates and mortgages) they have signed will automatically become invalid. Churches that evangelise face harassment from authorities, and church leaders who support converts from Islam risk pressure and suspicion.
Outside forces also have an impact on life for Christians within Jordan. Radicalised Muslims who fought in Iraq and Syria have returned home, and highly conservative Muslim teachers influenced from surrounding countries (particularly Saudi Arabia) are potentially a danger to Christians and other minority groups in Jordan.
Converts from Islam have the highest level of vulnerability in Jordan, with the southern region being the most conservatively Islamic area. Women who convert to Christianity from more radical Islamic families can face house arrest, isolation, beating, sexual harassment, and even death (though honour killings are punished in Jordan). They can also be forced into marriage or divorce, lose their children, suffer domestic violence, or lose their inheritance.
– Ask God to make His presence known to Jordanian Christians who feel alone.
– Ask God to continue to change hearts and minds so every believer can worship freely.
– Pray that God will open doors for Christians to share their faith safely and wisely.
Open Doors works with local partners in Jordan to raise prayer and support Christians through training, relief aid, and rehabilitation projects.
