Yemen

How are Christians persecuted in Yemen?

• Christians in Yemen continue to endure a highly unstable condition of life, with threats from both authorities and family. Believers whose faith is discovered by their family could be forced into divorce or separated from their children.
• Converts from Islam could face the death penalty for apostasy, creating an environment in which many feel forced to keep their faith secret.
• Islamist extremist groups attack Christian communities, meaning that if those who gather in secret are discovered, they face grave consequences.

Why are Christians persecuted in Yemen?

• The general state of insecurity and humanitarian crisis in Yemen leaves Christians especially vulnerable – emergency aid is usually distributed through mosques to local Muslims, who may discriminate against those who are not devout Muslims.
• The rule of law is generally weak across Yemen, increasing the dangers encroaching on believers.
• Non-Islamic faith groups cannot register with the authorities, nor can their places of worship. Many are ransacked or destroyed.

Who is particularly vulnerable in Yemen?

• In the south, fractured governance and Islamist extremist groups pose continuous threats to Christians. In the Houthi-controlled north western regions, pressures are particularly severe – these areas are heavily policed, dissent is brutally repressed, and Christian converts who are discovered could face arrest and torture.
• Christian women experience increased harsh treatment if their faith is exposed, including abuse, forced marriage and even so-called ‘honour’ killings, as Yemen’s penal code grants leniency to perpetrators. Many feel spiritually isolated because of the repression they endure and their frequent inability to enjoy fellowship with others.
• In the war-torn environment of Yemen, Christian men could be forcibly recruited into militias, some even as young as 13. If discovered, converts from Islam could lose their job, be imprisoned or even killed. Once taken from their families, their homes are especially vulnerable financially. Many Christian men choose to flee the country.

What has changed in Yemen in the past year?

• The experience of believers in Yemen remains much the same and 2025 has seen several harsh attacks against believers – as one Christian leader explains, “Not a single year has passed without a major incident – each time the church is left shaken and gripped by fear.

• An extremist-backed media campaign targeted Christian leaders, inducing increased hostility towards Christians and risks to their lives. It has also meant that many believers have ceased meeting together because of the pressures, and some have fled the country. Zahra* says, “The fact that we still meet is a miracle. I do not deny that I am sometimes afraid. I still say, I might leave the house one day and not come back – not only me, but also my brothers and sisters.”
• Nevertheless, God continues to build His church in Yemen – there are signs of steady growth in numbers of believers and faith, largely owing to the persevering witness of their loved ones.

How can I help Christians in Yemen?

• Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Yemen. Your prayers make a great difference in the lives of believers counting the cost for Jesus.

Open Doors supports the body of Christ in Yemen by raising prayer, distributing aid, training pastors and believers, giving livelihood support and offering shelter and protection to persecuted believers.

*Name changed for security reasons