Christians from Muslim backgrounds often keep their faith a secret, and meet together in underground churches. However, these churches are often monitored by the government. If discovered, they face pressure from their families and communities – they may be physically attacked, arrested, or lose custody of their children. Conversion from Islam is not officially recognised. And yet, the small number of believers from Muslim backgrounds is growing.
Most Christians in Jordan belong to the Orthodox and Roman Catholic denominations. Overall, they enjoy a relatively high level of religious freedom but experience discrimination in employment and restrictions against public preaching.
An open testimony of faith by a Christian with Muslim background can lead to beatings, arrest and in the worst case killing. Christians active in evangelism or helping converts can face threats and obstruction in daily life.
Jordan’s total score reduced somewhat mostly because a decrease in the violence score, even as pressure in most other areas of life increased. At the same time, several countries ranked lower than Jordan in 2019 had score increases that pushed them above Jordan in 2020.
In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors is supporting the church in Jordan through the following activities:
NB! Dokumentet er på engelsk
Leder: Kong Abdullah II
Befolkning: 10,1 mill.
Kristne: ca. 180.000
Hovedreligion: Islam
Regjeringsform: Konstitusjonelt monarki
Plassering: 33
Siste år: 31
Score: 64/100
Siste år: 65/100