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Tajikistan is a former Soviet state. Despite now officially having freedom of religion, the reality is different. The state still imposes restrictions on religious gatherings and activities—mainly to contain Islamist extremism. But the rules and surveillance affect Christians too, and the state is becoming increasingly wary of and hostile toward them.
There are many elements to the Christian life that are illegal without a permit, from holding a religious meeting to printing religious literature. Anyone under age 18 is not allowed to attend church services, and Christians are not allowed to share their faith. In recent years, church meetings have increasingly been raided by the authorities, with church members being interrogated for hours at a time and pressured to inform on others. They can be detained, fined or imprisoned. As a result, the risk of persecution has driven many Christians underground.
There are strict laws about religious education, so training church leaders is a problem. Much of the country is Muslim, and believers who come from this background face rejection, humiliation and possible violence from their families and communities.
Rights violations targeting all Christian communities and carried out by government officials can occur all over the country. Pressure from family, friends and community on converts is stronger outside the urban areas.
For two weeks, we were summoned every day to the state intelligence service. They threatened, frightened and insulted us. But I thank God because we were able to testify about our faith in Jesus Christ ... Let’s pray for those people who oppressed us so that they would know the truth.
Khasam, Central Asia
Tajikistan jumped seven positions on this year's World Watch List. Pressure increased across all areas for believers, and violence went up as well. Christians face challenges and pressure from their communities and families, and the government imposes many restrictions on church activities.
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 rehab centres.
* For security reasons, the name of Open Doors cannot be associated with certain activities in this country. When communicating about projects in this country do not use the country name, instead use the region name: Central Asia.
Father God, thank You for the courage and determination of Your church in Tajikistan. Continue to give them confidence when they are accused of wrongdoing. We pray that the authorities will stop raiding and restricting faith communities and that the country will find a better way for people of different faiths to live together in peace. Help believers from Muslim backgrounds to find fellowship with one another, Amen.