3. Yemen
Region
Middle East
Christian population
Small number
Main relegion
Islam
Main threats
• Clan oppression
• Islamic oppression
• Dictatorial paranoia
Total score
94%
Pressure
100%
Violence
63%
The dangers facing Christians in Yemen continue to escalate amid an unrelenting tide of conflict, extremism and economic collapse.
The indigenous Church consists mainly of converts from Islam, who must practise their faith in absolute secrecy. Discovery as a Christian can be deadly, because in Yemen, apostasy is legally punishable by death. Believers can also suffer in other ways, including divorce and separation from their children. Yemen’s fragmented, weak rule of law only increases the dangers facing Christians.
Non-Islamic groups can’t formally register with the authorities, and places of worship that aren’t Muslim haven’t been authorised for years. Most non-Yemeni Christians have fled the country because of the danger, with many registered churches either ransacked or destroyed. It means that Yemen’s native Christian population comprises mostly converts who must gather in secret and at enormous risk.
While all Yemenis suffer under one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, Christians are particularly vulnerable. Emergency aid is typically distributed through mosques to local Muslims, who discriminate against those not considered to be devout Muslims.
Please pray
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Pray that peace will finally come to Yemen as it continues to be torn apart and wracked by violence.
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Pray for courage and hope for the small number of Yemeni believers as they continue to grow, but with daily risk of violence and death.
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Ask God to help small, secret churches in Yemen to find resources and that underground church leaders would find strength and stamina to continue to serve.