The law restricts religious freedom, and Christians face surveillance, raids, and arrests.
bottom“I didn't want to hide anymore. When I came out of the water after my baptism, I felt incredible joy and freedom. A moment I will never forget.”
– Yura*, Central Asia
*Name changed for security purposes
Christians in Kazakhstan experience restrictions and close surveillance, often under the pretext of countering the threat of extremist Islam. It has worsened considerably since 2010 as authorities seek to tighten their grip on all aspects of Kazakh life.
Raids, arrests, and fines are not uncommon for Protestants, Baptists, and Pentecostals who are deemed a foreign influence intent on undermining the Kazakh authorities. In 2022, changes to the Religion Law added to the restrictions facing Christians, making it even harder to hold meetings outside state-registered places. Russian Orthodox churches face fewer problems as they generally don’t engage with the wider Kazakh population. Additionally, authorities don’t want to provoke their Russian counterparts.
Persecution is most severe for converts from Muslim backgrounds who face house arrest, beatings and expulsion from their community. Influential local leaders (with the support of the authorities) see conversion as an assault on Kazakh identity. Understandably, many converts choose to keep their new faith secret.
Converts face the greatest dangers, particularly in rural areas where religious identity is the strongest. In many parts of Kazakhstan, women are considered subservient to men. They can face physical and verbal abuse, harassment, threats, and even house arrest. Abduction, forced marriage, and sexual assault can also occur. Businesses run by Christian men can face boycotts or require bribes to operate, particularly in rural areas. Men enlisted to the military can also face immense challenges.
– That God’s Word will make its way to believers in Kazakhstan.
– That church leaders will be refreshed and have a new sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
– For converts from Islam who may have lost family and friends by choosing to follow Jesus.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Central Asia through literature distribution, livelihood support, women and children’s ministry, and prayer support.
