16Maldives

This nation of 1 000-plus islands declares itself to be 100 per cent Muslim, so being a citizen of the Maldives means being a Muslim. Within the country’s close-knit communities, any deviation from Islamic values is easily spotted and reported to the authorities or Muslim leaders. Those who leave Islam must keep their faith secret. It’s so dangerous that husbands, wives and children may even hide their faith from one another. If discovered, believers may be stripped of their citizenship, isolated from society and lose their state benefits for violating Sharia (Islamic law).

While foreign Christians – who mostly work in the tourist sector – have slightly more freedom than converts, their gatherings are strictly monitored and controlled by the authorities. That said, many prefer not to organise meetings, for fear of the repercussions. Foreign Christians (whether tourists or migrant workers) are strictly forbidden from sharing their faith with Maldivians.

Radical Islam is a concern for the authorities. So far, Christians haven’t been a particular target for extremists, but this is more due to them keeping a low profile than for them not being considered a target.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors raises prayer support for persecuted believers in the Maldives.