Turkey

Key Facts:
Leader: Prime Minister Erdogan
Population: 70 million (0.3% Christian)
Majority Religion: Islam
Type of Government: Parliamentary democracy

Although Turkey seeks entry to the European Union, standards of religious liberty seem to have deteriorated recently. Last year a Roman Catholic priest was shot dead; several other clergy were threatened and attacked.

In October, two Turkish converts to Christianity were accused of "insulting Turkishness and inciting hatred against Islam".

In November a church was firebombed.

A month later the President blocked a bill that would have extended religious freedoms.

Prayer

• Pray that the negotiations over Turkey joining the EU would secure greater religious freedom
• The media reinforces the view that a Turk who becomes a Christian is a traitor. Pray for a breakthrough in understanding
• Pray against the police intimidation and family pressure that aims to stop Turks coming to Christ.