45Kazakhstan

Onerous restrictions and close surveillance hugely curtail Christian freedoms in Kazakhstan – often under the pretext of countering the threat of extremist Islam. It has worsened considerably since 2010, as the authorities are seeking to tighten their grip on all aspects of Kazakh life.

Raids, arrests and fines are not uncommon for believers from Protestant groups, such as Baptists and Pentecostals, who are deemed a foreign influence intent on undermining the Kazakh authorities. In 2022, changes to the Religion Law added to the restrictions facing Christians, making it even harder to hold meetings outside state-registered places. Russian Orthodox churches face fewer problems – because they largely don’t engage with the broader Kazakh population, and the authorities don’t want to provoke their Russian counterparts.

The severest persecution is reserved for converts from Muslim backgrounds, who can face house arrest, beatings and expulsion from their community. Influential local leaders (with the support of the authorities) see conversion as an assault on Kazakh identity. Understandably, many converts choose to keep their new faith secret.

Meet Yura

“I realised that I didn’t want to hide myself anymore. When I came out of the water after my baptism, I had a feeling of incredible joy and freedom. This is a moment I will never forget.”

Yura* (not his real name) from Central Asia on his decision to get baptised.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors strengthens the Church in Central Asia through numerous initiatives, including literature distribution, prayer support, presence ministry, livelihood support and women’s ministries.