Converting from Islam or sharing your faith can have severe consequences.
bottom“I used to be a bully, a troublemaker. I am a new creation now in Jesus Christ.”
– Tareq*, a believer from Jordan
Most Christians in Jordan belong to Orthodox or Roman Catholic churches and enjoy a significant level of religious freedom. However, they can face employment discrimination and restrictions against public preaching. Converts from Islam risk beatings, arrest, and sometimes death for openly sharing their faith. Christians involved in evangelism or helping converts often face threats and daily obstructions.
Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, Christians in Jordan live in relative security under King Abdallah’s leadership, which tolerates and, to a degree, supports recognised churches. However, the state to some extent monitors Christian communities and can harass unrecognised churches, especially those that evangelise. Despite Jordan’s image as a tolerant nation, radicalised Sunnis and returning jihadists pose a threat to Christians.
Converts from Islam have the highest level of vulnerability in Jordan, with the southern region being the most conservatively Islamic area. Women who convert to Christianity from more radical Islamic families can face house arrest, isolation, beating, sexual harassment, and even death (though honour killings are punished in Jordan). They can also be forced into marriage or divorce, lose their children, suffer domestic violence, or lose their inheritance.
– Ask God to make His presence known to Jordanian Christians who feel alone.
– Ask God to continue to change hearts and minds so every believer can worship freely.
– Pray that God will open doors for Christians to share their faith safely and wisely.
Open Doors supports the Church in Jordan through local partners and churches. They provide training, relief and rehabilitation, and conduct research, while also raising prayer support for believers.
