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Region Latin America
Christian population 6 775 000 (94.8%)
Main religion Christianity
Main threats • Dictatorial paranoia
• Communist and post-Communist oppression

Total score

71%

Pressure

73.4%

Violence

57.7%

Recent news

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30Nicaragua

Hostility toward Christians in Nicaragua continues to intensify: those who speak out against President Ortega and his government are viewed as destabilising agents. Changes to the law in recent years mean that church leaders are labelled terrorists and coup-plotters. The situation has deteriorated significantly since 2018, when widespread protests broke out against the country’s dictatorial regime. Years later, retribution continues against those perceived to have opposed the regime – even those who merely provided shelter and medical assistance during the protests.

Christians have been among those to raise their voice, but it’s coming at an alarming cost. Christian leaders have been harassed and arrested, Christian properties seized, Christian schools, TV stations and charities closed, and churches monitored and intimidated. In light of these pressures, many Christians – particularly church leaders – have felt forced to flee the country. Many more have been expelled and expatriated. Others who remain have been subjected to immigration restrictions and find it increasingly difficult to move freely within the country.

Christians continue to have an influence in Nicaragua, and this is one of the reasons the government targets them – aiming not just to silence the Church, but to undermine their credibility and prevent their message from spreading.

Meet María

“This year, they denied again the legal status of my church but, approved or not, we continue to preach the Word of God.”

María (name changed), believer in Nicaragua.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors strengthens the persecuted Church in Nicaragua by providing Christian literature, discipleship training, emergency relief aid, legal advice, and education for pastors who haven’t completed their studies.

Please pray

  • Pray for God’s protection for church leaders who courageously speak out against government injustice.
  • Pray that Open Doors persecution preparedness training and discipleship seminars will help believers live as salt and light.
  • Pray that believers monitored by the government will not be deterred from sharing the Gospel.

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