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Turkiye (Turkey)Restricted
Christian Persecution in Turkiye (Turkey)
Overview:
The gospel spread throughout what is now Turkiye in the first century, and the region remained under Christian rule for centuries, beginning in the fourth century. Now, however, fewer than 1 percent of Turks are Christians. Turks are proud of their nation, which has seen rapid industrial growth and modernization. Unfortunately, Islam is considered by most Turks to be part of their national identity; it is hard for them to imagine leaving Islam even if they know little about its teachings and do not practice its tenets. Christians in Turkiye have limited freedom of worship. While there are few Turkish churches, believers boldly share Christ with their countrymen. Ongoing changes in Turkiye’s government have limited missionary activity and increased pressure on the small Christian community.
Major Religion:
96 percent of Turks are Sunni Muslims who view Islam as a core part of their identity, even though most are not devout. Fewer than 1 percent of Turks are Christians.
Persecutor:
Believers face a range of challenges from family members, neighbors, employers and the government. It is not uncommon for the government to assign police officers to a pastor or church for “protection” from threats by Islamic leaders. This is a way to monitor the activities of pastors and churches.
What It Means To Follow Christ In Turkiye
Pastors have been targeted in sophisticated assassination plots, and a missionary was murdered in 2019. Another missionary and two Turkish believers were brutally murdered in a highly publicized 2007 incident. Evangelism faces significant opposition in Turkiye, and Christian converts from Islam are harassed and pressured from all sides. Believers are opposed by their families, communities and all levels of government. Mature expatriate believers — many of whom have lived in Turkiye for decades — have long served in Turkish churches; however, the Turkish government has recently targeted these foreign workers for expulsion.
Access To Bibles:
Bibles can be legally distributed in Turkiye, but there are few distribution points. Give Bibles
VOM Work:
VOM responds to persecution and supports front-line workers’ Bible distribution and outreach efforts. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for Pastor Nurettin, who leads a small church of Kurdish Christians.
- Pray for Christians serving the nearly 4 million refugees from Syria, Iraq and Iran.
- Fewer than 1% of Turks are followers of Christ. Use Matthew 28:19-20 to pray for the spread of the gospel in Turkiye.
- The Turkish government has deported many missionaries. Pray that local believers will boldly proclaim the gospel.
- Pray that followers of Christ in Turkiye will remain faithful despite pressure from authorities or family members.