27. Tajikistan
Region
Asia
Christian population
55 000 (0.5%)
Main relegion
Islam
Main threats
• Dictatorial paranoia
• Islamic oppression
• Clan oppression
Total score
72%
Pressure
82%
Violence
20%
Despite Tajikistan having the highest percentage of Muslims in Central Asia, the country’s secular, dictatorial state maintains a tight grip on all religions. This very much includes Christians – especially those from Protestant groups, who are deemed dangerous followers of “deviant” sects.
Since 2015, pressure on “unauthorised” gatherings – such as those from Baptist, Evangelical, and Pentecostal groups – has increased, leading to a rise in raids. With that, more interrogations, fines, and the confiscation of materials have come. Religious activities involving under-18s are banned, and recent amendments seek to criminalise the “underground” religious education of children, which extends to online activity. With young people believed to make up 50% of the Tajik Church, this is a huge obstacle to overcome.
Like other countries in Central Asia, the Russian Orthodox Church enjoys relatively more freedom, mainly because it seldom attempts to influence or evangelise the broader Tajik population.
There are about 3,000 converts in Tajikistan. They are highly vulnerable to reprisals from their family and community, as well as the authorities, for “betraying” their ethnic and national identity. Given the dangers, many converts keep their faith secret.
Please pray
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Ask God to keep Christians safe and give extra grace to church leaders as the government of Tajikistan monitors communities of believers.
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Pray that God would be with Afghan refugees, including Christians, living in Tajikistan as the authorities begin to deport them.
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Pray that God would protect Open Doors partners in Tajikistan and throughout Central Asia as they deliver His Word and provide training and discipleship so the Gospel can spread.