PRAY FOR CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
– For God to bring peace to the Central African Republic.
– That God protects believers targeted by extremists and keep them safe from harm.
– For the deep wounds many believers bear, that God will heal their pain.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Central African Republic
#27Christians face immense violence from occupying extremist groups.
bottom"They attacked us because we worship God. They destroyed the church to stop the name of the Lord from being praised in this place."
– Pastor Samuel
Country
Profile
- Region
- Africa
- Sources of persecution
- Islamic Oppression
- Population
- 5,916,000
- Christian population
- 4,433,000
- Religions
- Christianity
- Leader
- President Faustin-Archange Touadéra
- Score
- 72
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Life in the Central African Republic (CAR) has been dangerous for more than a decade. A civil war engulfing much of the country began in 2013, with violence along both ethnic and religious lines.
The conflict between various armed groups continues and more warring parties have sprung up. This has led to greater instability and violence. Christians are often caught in the middle. If they speak out against the atrocities committed by any of the warring factions, they can be targeted, their churches burned, and entire communities displaced.
Some armed groups target Christians solely for their faith, throwing followers of Christ into the horrors of conflict simply for what they believe.
Converts to Christianity face persecution from family members and the surrounding community. New believers can be ostracised, and violence has been used to pressure Christians to recant their faith.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Rights violations against Christians are most severe in the country’s northern and eastern parts, dominated by extremists.
Many years of violence and instability has left Christian women and girls vulnerable to sexual assault, abduction, trafficking, and forced marriage. Men are killed for their faith or detained. Others are abducted and made to join the rebel forces or forced to mine gold and diamonds. Pastors are especially targeted to try to prevent them from converting members of the community.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors works through local partners to support believers in the Central African Republic with persecution survival training, economic empowerment projects, and trauma care.
