Politiet, de hemmelige tjenestene og lokale myndigheter overvåker religiøse aktiviteter og møter opp på kristne gudstjenester. Selv russisk-ortodokse og armensk-apostoliske kirker kan oppleve at søndagsgudstjenester blir overvåket.
Persecution against Christians in this repressive Islamic state comes largely from the government and from society.
The government imposes many restrictions on church life. Unless their churches are registered, Christians are highly susceptible to police raids, threats, arrests and fines. Even Russian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic churches may have their Sunday services monitored. The printing or importing of Christian materials is also restricted.
Believers who come from Muslim backgrounds experience intense pressure from families, friends and villagers to deny their faith.
Despite dropping a place from last year’s position on the World Watch List, little has changed for Christians in Turkmenistan. It remains hugely challenging for those who follow Jesus, notably due to restrictions and surveillance from the state, and pressure on converts to recant.
Whilst government oppression is prevalent across the country, believers from Muslim backgrounds experience greater pressure in rural areas.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Central Asia by providing Christian literature, biblical and vocational training, and socio-economic development projects. We also provide immediate aid to Central Asian believers when they are jailed, excluded from families and communities, and deprived of livelihood and employment because of their faith in Christ.
Lord God, thank you that people are turning to you in Turkmenistan. Strengthen those who, knowing the risks, have bravely chosen to put their faith in you. Help them to stay strong and persevere, even when the pressure is great. Protect them from harm and hold them secure in strong bonds of love and support from their new family in Christ.
Amen!
NB! Dokumentet er på engelsk
Leder: President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov
Befolkning: 6 mill.
Kristne: 68,000
Hovedreligion: Islam
Regjeringsform: Autoritært styre
Plassering: 23
Siste år: 22
Score: 70/100
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Siste år: 70/100