How are Christians persecuted in Tajikistan?
- The country’s secular, dictatorial state has a tight grip on all religions. That very much includes Christians.
- Since 2015, pressure on ‘unauthorised’ gatherings has increased, bringing a rise in the number of raids on churches and, with it, fines and the confiscation of material.
- Church leaders can face interrogation, fines, threats, beatings and imprisonment.
- Religious activities involving under-18s are banned, and recent amendments seek to criminalise the ‘underground’ religious education of children, which extends to online activity. With about half the Tajik church believed to be young people, this is a huge obstacle to overcome.
- Christian women are at risk of house arrest, beatings, rejection, harassment and forced marriage.
Why are Christians persecuted in Tajikistan?
- New believers are seen as ‘betraying’ their ethnic and national identity, as most Tajik people are Muslims. There are around 3,000 converts in Tajikistan, each of whom is highly vulnerable to reprisals from their family and community, as well as the authorities. Many new believers keep their faith secret.
- Protestant groups are deemed dangerous followers of ‘deviant’ sects by the state.
- Like other countries in Central Asia, the Russian Orthodox church enjoys relatively more freedom – but that’s largely because they seldom attempt to influence or evangelise to the wider Tajik population.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Tajikistan?
- Converts are at greatest risk of persecution, followed by those involved in non-traditional church communities, such as Baptist, Evangelical and Pentecostal, that are active in outreach.
What has changed in Tajikistan in the past year?
- Tajikistan is one of the big risers in this year’s World Watch List, jumping 12 places to 27th. This is largely because of an increase in pressure on Christians from the authorities and those closer to home, and an uptick in violence.
How can I help Christians in the region?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Tajikistan. 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.
please pray
Lord God, strengthen the resolve of our family in Tajikistan as they encounter different challenges for their faith. Give church leaders wisdom, discernment and courage as they shepherd congregations in a hostile climate. We particularly pray for young people, asking You to raise up the next generation, even as the authorities look to stop that. Guard converts from harm, and may their transformed lives speak powerfully to family and friends, leading them to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
