QUICK FACTS
Leader: President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Government: Republic
Population: 16.7 million (2.5 million Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Persecution Level: Sparse
Source of persecution: Dictatorial paranoia/Islamic extremism
OVERVIEW OF KAZAKHSTAN
In general, the position of Christians in the country remains as difficult as before, and has even gotten worse. The succession of President Nazarbayev is an important topic in Kazakh politics. Relations with Russia, Europe and the rest of the world are complicated by the huge Russian minority in the country. At least 71 believers were fined for worshipping in unregistered underground churches in 2014.
PRAYER POINTS
Leader: President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Government: Republic
Population: 16.7 million (2.5 million Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Persecution Level: Sparse
Source of persecution: Dictatorial paranoia/Islamic extremism
OVERVIEW OF KAZAKHSTAN
In general, the position of Christians in the country remains as difficult as before, and has even gotten worse. The succession of President Nazarbayev is an important topic in Kazakh politics. Relations with Russia, Europe and the rest of the world are complicated by the huge Russian minority in the country. At least 71 believers were fined for worshipping in unregistered underground churches in 2014.PRAYER POINTS
- That all evangelical churches that want to be registered as regional Christian associations will receive permission from the government
- That authorities will not harass, fine and imprison Christians for worshipping in unregistered house churches
- For the pastors who are especially targeted, as was the case with Pastor Bakhytzhan Kashkumbayev in 2014, who was fined and given a suspended four-year sentence
