How many Christians are there in Jordan?
Open Doors estimates there are around 170,000 Christians in Jordan – just 1.6% of Jordan’s population.
How are Christians persecuted in Jordan?
In general, Jordan is more tolerant of Christianity, particularly compared to some other places in the region, and many Christians are able to worship freely. The monarchy of King Abdullah II has recognised multiple churches and allows these communities to worship, as long as they don't preach publicly or reach out to Muslims. But these churches are monitored by the state, and Christians in these communities report facing some level of discrimination in the workplace.
Outside forces also have an impact on life for Christians within Jordan. Radicalised Muslims who fought in Iraq and Syria have returned home, and a number of highly conservative Muslim teachers who’ve been influenced by surrounding countries (particularly Saudi Arabia) are potentially a danger to Christians and other minority groups in Jordan. However, the Jordanian government does monitor sermons in mosques to try to prevent extremism from rising.
Meet 'Tareq'
“I used to be a bully, a troublemaker. I am a new creation now in Jesus Christ. I look more and more like Him.” Tareq, a convert from islam
What’s life like for Christians in Jordan?
Any Christian who is active in evangelism, is known to support converts from Islam, belongs to an unrecognised church, or is a convert from Islam, can experience pressure. Christians who convert from Islam and are open about their new faith can face threats of beating and killings, especially from their families and communities. If their conversion becomes known, all official documents (including marriage certificates, mortgages, etc.) they have signed will automatically become invalid.
All Christian women in Jordan experience some level of pressure to adopt Islamic rules around dress and are at some level of risk for sexual harassment. But women who convert from Islam are far and away the most vulnerable to persecution, usually from their own families. Converts from more radical Islamic families can face house arrest, isolation, beating, sexual harassment and even death (though so-called ‘honour’ killings are punished in Jordan).
Though Christian men can occupy high positions in Jordanian society and government, many believers report some level of discrimination, particularly Christians who are converts from Islam. If their faith in Jesus is discovered, converts can lose their jobs or security clearance. Because men in Jordan are traditionally the financial providers for their families, forced job loss can create a devastating economic impact on families of converts.
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 works with local partners in Jordan to raise prayer and support Christians through training, relief aid and rehabilitation projects.
Dear Father, we pray for Christians in Jordan. We thank You that many of Your people in Jordan are able to worship You freely. But we pray for those who don't have that same freedom, particularly for those who have found You out of Islam. We pray for protection, for strength, for patience and for courage. We ask these things for our brothers and sisters in the holy name of Jesus, Amen.
