Afghanistan

What does persecution look like in Afghanistan?

Most Afghan Christians are converts from Islam, which makes it basically impossible to practise their faith openly. In Afghanistan, leaving Islam is considered shameful by family and community, and conversion is punishable by death under Islamic law. This has been increasingly enforced since the Taliban took control of the country in 2021. 

If converts are discovered, the family, clan or tribe may try to preserve its ‘honour' and deal with the convert through pressure, violence or even murder. If a convert's faith is discovered by the government, many Afghan believers have no other option but to try to flee. Women and ethnic minorities experience additional oppression, Christians among these groups live under unthinkable pressure.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Converts from Islam are most vulnerable to persecution in Afghanistan. But since most of the Christians in the country are converts, the underground church is at risk across the entire country. There is no safe place in Afghanistan for followers of Jesus. 

Meet "Khada"

I continue to be a servant of Christ, following His example of humility and greatness. In the difficult Taliban regime, we face challenges, but with strong faith, we persevere.

Khada, a believer in Afghanistan

What has changed this year?

Unfortunately, Christians in Afghanistan continue to live in a place where faith in Jesus can be a death sentence. Not much has changed since last year: the Taliban remain in control and continue to exercise wide-ranging religious authority throughout the country. 

Existing house churches remain deeply underground, Christians live under relentless pressure, and the discovery of their faith can still lead to abuse and even death at the hands of both family and government. The lack of change is not good news for believers: it simply means that difficult conditions continue. 

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Afghanistan?

Because of the risks faced by our partners and the people they serve, we are restricted in the information we can provide about Afghanistan.

How can you pray for Afghanistan?

• Ask God to protect secret Christians. It’s impossible to live openly as a follower of Christ, so pray that the Lord will preserve His people.
• Pray that even as the Taliban's brutal regime remains in power, God will touch their hearts. Pray they will see the truth of Jesus’ love. Pray that those in prison for their faith will be protected and released.
• Pray for the thousands of Afghan refugees, many of whom live in countries where it’s still dangerous to follow Jesus. Ask God to help them find community and hope even as many have lost their homes and communities.