#34 in Christian persecution, Tunisia

[LoricaLady]

Tunisian Christians face hostility from society, and most choose to worship in private. Converts from Islam whose new faith is discovered are considered to have brought "shame" on their families. They can face rejection and threats from their families and communities.

Christians who have migrated from other countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, also live in Tunisia. These believers are largely left alone as long as they don't share their faith with Tunisian Muslims. However, political rhetoric about migrants has caused such harsh racial abuse that many have fled the country.

Being known as a Christian affects a Tunisian's reputation, their job security and, in the worst cases, can result in complete rejection or abuse from their Muslim family and community. The authorities monitor church gatherings. Despite this, the church in North Africa is growing.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?​

Believers from Muslim families have most to fear from their own communities. This is especially true in the south of the country, where the Islamic population is more conservative. Urban areas, and especially the capital Tunis, offer possibilities to escape family pressure and live their faith in the anonymity of the big city.

All Christians are at risk of attack by violent Islamist extremists around the southern border.

What has changed this year?​

Among other things, there were more incidents involving house churches and arrests than in the previous year. President Kais Saied consolidated his de facto one-man rule through a contested re-election in which the opposition was paralysed. The new constitution is ambiguous regarding Freedom of Religion and Belief. It is feared that the government’s already high levels of monitoring of Tunisian Christians will increase in the future.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Tunisia?​

Open Doors works with local partners and churches in North Africa to provide leadership and discipleship training, livelihood support, legal aid, trauma counselling, Bibles and pastoral care.

How can you pray for Tunisia?​

• Pray that converts from Islam will be sheltered from abuse and rejection.
• Ask God to help Tunisian Christians forbidden from worshipping publicly. Pray that they will be able to meet and encourage one another.
• Pray that God will guide communities of Christians that can help them grow in faith.