How are Christians persecuted in Kyrgyzstan?
- Kyrgyzstan is a majority Muslim country, and those who leave Islam to follow Jesus face strong opposition from their families and communities.
- New Christians may face house arrest and physical violence.
- The children of new believers can encounter bullying at school.
- Imams are sometimes enlisted to preach against converts, and they can cause their expulsion from the community.
- Christians can also face persecution from the state, who increasingly try to control the lives of their citizens.
“A state official threatened and shouted that he will close down this church.”
A church member whose church was raided
- Churches may be raided by the secret police, with church members being arrested and tortured and church leaders imprisoned. One church member, whose church was raided, told Forum 18, “He [a state official] threatened and shouted that he will close down this church. This scared some of us and particularly the children.”
Why are Christians persecuted in Kyrgyzstan?
- Kyrgyzstan has a strong shame and honour culture, and it is seen as totally unacceptable for anyone to believe in something different from their family or community.
- In parts of the country, the influence of the local Muslim community may mean that vulnerable Christians can’t rely on local authorities for protection and justice.
- New laws governing religion have stifled the expression of local churches, including unattainable requirements for simply registering a church. For example, in order to legally register a religious organisation, you must present 500 signatures from adult founders. Most churches are much smaller than this, meaning that they are forced to meet ‘illegally’.
- Protestant groups – who can be deemed ‘extremist’ – are especially affected. Russian Orthodox churches are largely left alone because they are usually less active in outreach.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Kyrgyzstan?
- New believers bear the brunt of persecution in Kyrgyzstan, particularly those living in rural areas which are typically more conservative.
- Church leaders from non-traditional groups, such as Baptists and Pentecostals, who are active in reaching out to Kyrgyz people are likely to draw hostility from the authorities, which can include fines and even attacks.
What has changed in Kyrgyzstan in the past year?
- Kyrgyzstan has risen seven places on the World Watch List, with both pressure and violence against Christians rising.
- In February 2024, a new Religion Law was introduced that gives the authorities greater control over the religious life of people in Kyrgyzstan. This includes strict registration requirements, bans on ‘unauthorised’ activities, like evangelism, and harsher punishments. The changes have further curtailed religious freedom, making it harder for believers to gather and putting yet more pressure on church leaders.
How can I help Christians in Central Asia?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Kyrgyzstan. Your gifts and prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Central Asia through literature distribution, livelihood support, women and children’s ministry, and prayer support.
Heavenly Father, encourage our family in Kyrgyzstan. Give leaders an abundance of wisdom, strength and boldness as they navigate tighter controls, and help converts to persevere under huge pressures. Protect Your children, and galvanise and unite the church in their witness, leading many to You. We pray, too, for the authorities, asking that they’d see believers not as a threat but an invaluable part of the country. Holy Spirit, have Your way in Kyrgyzstan. Amen.
