How are Christians persecuted in Turkmenistan?
- Christian leaders are the most closely observed – they’re targeted to control Christian activities and spread fear among their congregations.
- Even the country’s historical Russian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic churches can find their Sunday services being monitored.
- Printing or importing Christian materials, holding unofficial meetings, or even downloading Christian songs can result in a fine or a worse punishment.
- Those who convert to Christianity from a Muslim background are at risk of being shamed, harassed, disinherited or even beaten by their family, friends or community.
- Women who choose to become Christians are considered to have challenged the accepted social order and are particularly vulnerable to persecution – unsurprisingly, many choose to keep their faith secret.
Why are Christians persecuted in Turkmenistan?
- Turkmenistan is a former soviet state, and it’s still ruled by an authoritarian government that heavily monitors the population – especially religious groups.
- Most people in Turkmenistan are Muslims, which means that anyone who chooses to convert to Christianity does so at great risk to their safety.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Turkmenistan?
- The Turkmen authorities violate the rights of all Christians but monitors church leaders especially heavily. Believers from Muslim backgrounds also face persecution from their communities.
What has changed in Turkmenistan in the past year?
- Turkmenistan remains at number 29 on the World Watch List, with a slight increase in persecution score.
How can I help Christians in Turkmenistan?
Open Doors strengthens the church in Central Asia by providing relief aid, Bibles, ministry training, prayer support, vocational training and business microloans, as well as projects such as rehabilitation centres.
please pray
Lord, give Your church in Turkmenistan supernatural patience and endurance where they must live under restrictions and monitoring. Give them great joy whenever they meet together. Make a way for Bibles to reach Christians who are hungry for Your Word. And we pray that the country’s leaders would recognise the value of religious freedom for their citizens. In Jesus’ name, amen.
