In Comoros, choosing to leave Islam to follow Jesus is so risky that those who do so have little option but to keep their faith secret. In fact, it can even lead to prosecution. It is illegal for followers of any religion except Islam to evangelise, so any Christian who shares their faith could face legal consequences. This will likely involve a fine and up to a year in prison. In some parts of the country, extremist groups threaten believers with violence.
Those who convert from Islam are at greatest risk of persecution.
“Barely three days after I decided to follow Christ, my house was burned down. I was only able to rescue my laptop. All I had was the clothes on my back. I felt this was a test of my faith in Christ, but it turned out to be faith strengthening.”
Titus is a believer from a Muslim background
Comoros has dropped back into the World Watch List top 50 because of an increase in pressure by the government and local communities, as well as a rise in reported incidents of violence. The government has said publicly that there is only freedom of religion for foreigners living in the country, not Comorians.
The country was in the top ten of Open Doors' World Watch List for a period in the 1990s and in the top 20 for several years after that. Despite the recent increase in opposition, the situation for Christians in the country is better than it was some 20 years ago
Open Doors works through local partners to strength the persecuted church in East African islands through discipleship and economic empowerment projects.
Heavenly Father, thank You for each of Your children in Comoros. You know their name and their situation, and how – for many of them – following You has come at great cost. May they feel the tenderness of Your presence, and may their every need be met in abundance. Strengthen Christians in the face of opposition, encourage them in their faith and keep them safe from harm. Pour Your healing into those wounded from difficult experiences. We ask that opportunities will emerge for believers to share their faith, so that more and more people may come to know You. May the church in Comoros shine brightly for You. Amen.
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