Turkey

Key Facts:

Leader:
Prime Minister Erdogan
Population:
75 million (0.3% Christian)
Majority Religion:
Islam
Type of Government:
Parliamentary democracy

Keen to join the European Union, the country has improved its human rights record over recent years. The death penalty has been abolished, torture is prohibited, and criminal law has been revised. But Turkish Christian leaders are vulnerable to attack by Islamic extremists. In the last year, a number of church leaders have been kidnapped and threatened with death, churches have been set on fire, believers have been murdered, and two converts are on trial for 'insulting Turkishness'.

Prayer

• Pray that church leaders would not be intimidated but would stand strong in their faith.
• Pray for the families of believers like Semse and her two children (pictured) who have lost loved ones. Ask God to be their comfort, support and provider.
• Ask God for protection for Turkish believers who speak out boldly for their faith.