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Christian freedoms in Kazakhstan are hugely curtailed by onerous restrictions and close surveillance – often under the pretext of countering the threat of extremist Islam. It has worsened considerably since 2010, as the authorities are seeking to tighten their grip on all aspects of Kazakh life.
Raids, arrests and fines are not uncommon for believers from Protestant groups, such as 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 – because they largely don’t engage with the wider Kazakh population, and the authorities don’t want to provoke their Russian counterparts.
The severest persecution is reserved for converts from Muslim backgrounds, who can 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 those living in rural areas where religious identity is strongest. From a government perspective, those involved in Protestant groups are more of a target, especially if involved in outreach among Kazakhs.
"I realised that I didn't want to hide myself anymore. When I came out of the water after my baptism, I had a feeling of incredible joy and freedom. This is a moment I will never forget."
"Yura" from Central Asia on his decision to get baptised.
Though Kazakhstan fell by seven places on the World Watch List compared to 2025, the reality of persecution remained largely the same. In one incident, a group of Baptists travelling into the country were stopped, and several hundred Christian books were seized, including Kazakh New Testaments. A religious department ‘expert’ was called to study the books, while the believers were detained. This episode reveals the dangers facing Christians from non-traditional backgrounds and how the country’s tight restrictions extend even to controls on literature.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Central Asia through literature distribution, livelihood support, women and children’s ministry, and prayer support.
Lord Jesus, we pray for our family in Kazakhstan, asking that they will not become despondent because of the pressure and persecution. Equip them to withstand the challenges through the provision of fellowship, literature and their every practical need. Comfort and heal those who’ve suffered loss for their faith, protect people from harm, and encourage church leaders in their crucial but often exhausting work. As the authorities watch Your people, may they encounter Jesus. Amen.
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