How are Christians persecuted in Jordan?
- People who convert from Islam often experience threats of violence, arrest and, in the worst cases, death for abandoning religious traditions.
- Churches which focus on evangelism could be harassed by authorities.
- The potential for persecution continually arises from extremist groups who target Christians, despite the country’s reputation for religious tolerance.
- Believers in Jordan who belong to Orthodox or Roman Catholic churches enjoy a relatively high degree of religious freedom. However, they may face discrimination in employment and restrictions on public preaching, as well as being monitored by the government.
Why are Christians persecuted in Jordan?
- Conflict in neighbouring countries is increasing pressure on Christians and the isolation they feel as some distance themselves from believers.
- Whilst Jordan promotes religious tolerance, extremist Islamist groups in the country foster a hostile perspective on Christians, especially those from a Muslim background.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Jordan?
- Even though leaving Islam is not a crime in Jordan, it is strongly prohibited. Converts can be referred to Sharia (Islamic law) courts for trial where they can lose legal status and contracts, like marriage.
- Female converts face the greatest pressure to return to Islam, above all from family. They can be ostracised, beaten and forced into marriage. Some are even killed to protect the family’s ‘honour’.
- Christian men experience challenges in the workplace like discrimination in job progression. Some can even be victim to financial extortion for their faith which compounds pressures on their families.
What has changed in Jordan in the past year?
- Jordan has risen one place in the World Watch List, though there is no change in persecution score since last year.
- There has been a marked rise in Islamic conservatism since the parliamentary elections in September 2024 and the success of the Islamic Action Front (IAF). However, the Muslim Brotherhood was banned by the state in April 2025, escalating tensions and casting doubt over the future of Jordanian politics.
How can I help Christians in Jordan?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Jordan. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors local partners support the church in Jordan through training, relief, rehabilitation, research and prayer.
please pray
God, we praise You that so many believers can worship you openly and freely in Jordan. We ask You to allow this same freedom to extend for every Jordanian Christian – including those who have converted from Islam. Be with those believers who have difficulty attaining a legal marriage because of their official religious identity. Sustain those who share the gospel, that they would be both bold and wise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
