How are Christians persecuted in Uzbekistan?
- The historic Russian Orthodox churches experience the least persecution from the government, but they are not permitted to share their faith with the rest of the Uzbek population.
- All other Christian communities – particularly church leaders – face some sort of monitoring and pressure. Churches that are not approved of and registered by the state are often raided by the police, with people arrested, threatened and fined.
- Most people in Uzbekistan are Muslim, and converts from Muslim families bear the brunt of persecution – from both the state and also from their own families and communities.
- While laws in Uzbekistan give equal rights to men and women, traditional Islamic culture treats women as subservient to men – and this is reflected in the type of persecution faced by Uzbek Christian women, including house arrest, kidnap, forced marriage, divorce and sexual violence.
Why are Christians persecuted in Uzbekistan?
- Uzbekistan is a former soviet state, and it’s still ruled by an authoritarian government that heavily monitors the population, especially religious groups.
- It’s perceived as a betrayal to leave Islam, bringing great shame on the family, and that’s why converts who make the brave decision to follow Jesus can face hostility from even their loved ones.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Uzbekistan?
- The state violates 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 Uzbekistan in the past year?
- Although Uzbekistan’s rank hasn’t changed, persecution of our Uzbek family has worsened.
How can I help Christians in Uzbekistan?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Uzbekistan. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
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, we pray for patience, perseverance and endurance for Your people in Uzbekistan who can’t freely live out their faith. Comfort and heal those who have been rejected or mistreated by their own families for choosing to follow You. We pray for justice in Uzbekistan – an end to unfounded accusations and arrests of people who have done no harm. Give Your people joy whenever they can meet together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
