How are Christians persecuted in CAR?
- People in Central African Republic (CAR) who choose to leave Islam to follow Jesus can face numerous risks, including ostracism, separation from children, house arrest abduction and even death.
- The many years of violence and instability has left Christian women and girls vulnerable to various forms of religious persecution, including rape, abduction, trafficking and forced marriage.
- Pastors are especially targeted, to try to prevent them from converting members of the community. They have even been attacked during church services.
“They attacked us because we worship God. They destroyed the church to stop the name of the Lord from being praised in this place.”
Pastor Samuel
Why are Christians persecuted in CAR?
- A civil war engulfing much of the country began in 2013, with violence along both ethnic and religious lines – and Christians are often caught in the middle. They can be targeted for speaking out against atrocities, or attacked simply because of their faith.
- Converts from Islam can face persecution from family members and the surrounding community.
Who is particularly vulnerable in CAR?
- Rights violations against Christians are most severe in the country’s northern and eastern parts, which are dominated by extremists, and where armed Islamist militant groups operate.
- Across the country, converts from Islam are especially vulnerable to pressure from their families and the community.
What has changed in CAR in the past year?
“I ask the church to pray for me so that I may find peace of heart. And that my faith be strengthened.”
Pauline, whose children were killed in a bomb blast
- CAR has been a violent place for a decade, and this year the country rose one spot in the World Watch List rankings.
- The conflict between various armed groups continued, and even more warring parties have sprung up. Christians remain caught in the middle (and sometimes targeted).
How can I help Christians in CAR?
Open Doors works through local partners to support believers in the Central African Republic with persecution survival training, economic empowerment projects and trauma care.
please pray
Father, we lift up to You Christians in CAR who risk everything to follow You. We ask You to heal the broken-hearted, and to bind up the wounded. Where there is trauma, we ask that You would make Your presence known as You walk alongside Your children. All this we ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
