43Comoros
In the Comoros Islands in southeast Africa, religious minorities, especially Christians, are subjected to extreme constraints when it comes to openly sharing or even discussing their faith. For Christian families, particularly converts from Islam, the challenges are even more acute. They must send their children to Islamic schools or face alienation. Public worship or even conversing about Christianity in public spaces can be interpreted as proselytising, a punishable offence.
Anyone suspected of converting to Christianity can be ostracised by the larger community, creating an environment where religious freedom doesn’t exist. Because of this, many Christians – especially those who have converted from Islam – are forced to live out their faith in secret.
Meet Nadia
“Brothers and sisters, I’m asking you to pray for me so that the Lord keeps on blessing me and blessing my job. Pray also for this country, our country, which is facing many problems. May the people who live [here] be away from darkness.”
Nadia* (name changed).
What does Open Doors do to help?
Open Doors works through local partners to strengthen the persecuted Church in the East African islands through discipleship and economic empowerment projects.
Please pray
- Ask God to protect and sustain converts from Islam as they can face significant oppression from their family and community.
- Pray for Christians forced to follow Jesus in secret, as being revealed as a Christian would mean brutal persecution.
- Pray that God will make a way for church leaders and churches to find community.