“Danger until death” - Five years since Taliban takeover

Five years after the Taliban returned to power, Christians in Afghanistan continue to face intense pressure, fear and persecution. In this interview, Open Doors spokesperson Adam* shares what life is like for believers today — and the courage it takes to follow Jesus when faith can come at such a high cost.
 

What is the situation in Afghanistan now, five years since the Taliban resumed control of the country?

The situation is increasingly complicated, and worsening day by day. Words alone cannot give a full impression.

  Under Taliban control, you choose between life and death. You must decide who you are, who you want to be, and whether you want a Christian or non-Christian name. You decide, and you pay a price. It happens quickly. It is hard to grasp that such a way of life is possible on this earth in the 21st century.

Before 15 August 2021, many people had the chance to hear about Jesus Christ, to learn about the Christian faith, and to choose whether to follow Him. Now, Christian fellowship takes quiet and informal forms, shaped by the need for caution and safety.
 

What happens if someone starts believing in Jesus and it is discovered?

If the state learns that you have changed your religion, persecution begins. For example, your property can be given to your relatives (sometimes the same relatives who reported you). If you have no Muslim relatives, the state can take your property. 

Relatives, neighbours, and especially the Taliban may persecute you, such as threats to your safety and livelihood. People may come, beat you or kill you. The danger also depends on whether you are an adult male or a girl: A girl can disappear and may not be found.


 

What is happening to the girls?

It's heartbreaking to tell because in most cases the girls are children of a family whose parents became Christians. They follow the decision of their parents and pay a price for that decision. 

Taliban men are constantly looking for wives and are kind of hunting for girls who are not married. If they know that a girl is a Christian, she will be kidnapped. She becomes a so-called ‘wife’ of a Taliban member, and her role is to satisfy the warrior, until she dies. Even if they don't know that she is a Christian, if she is not married, they will come and force her to marry them. Her future is one of abuse and likely murder.
 

What happens when a Christian’s identity is exposed?

When a family becomes known as Christian, the consequences can be severe. Here is the story of one brother who is supported by our partners:

One night, the Taliban searched his home after local suspicion grew around the family’s faith, eventually leading to a violent confrontation. They stabbed him in the stomach. They also pierced his wife’s hands several times, set fire to the fence around the home, and warned him this was his last chance to change. 

When our partners suggested he move somewhere safer, he wanted to stay so he could explain why he forgave the young men who had attacked his family and tell them about Jesus, salvation, life after death, and forgiveness. After a few days, his wounds became infected. He received urgent care and later support to reduce immediate danger, but insecurity remains. 

This is not a situation where one incident is overcome, and safety follows. The danger remains until death.

However, there are also signs that the Afghans are tired of the Taliban’s version of Islam. When families come to Christ, the younger generation often follows. In their questions and hunger for the Word of Christ and fellowship, you see a faith that has been tested at great cost. Their witness is encouraging because it shows that God is still saving people and changing lives.

  The life of a Christian in Afghanistan can feel like the book of Acts: miracles, decisions for Christ despite danger, imprisonment, execution; people paying with their lives and the safety of their families for the name of Jesus Christ.

When I began this ministry, I wondered whether a Christian could remain secret and silent — pretending to be Muslim while living as a Christian and avoiding the price. I can say it is not possible. Even when believers try to keep their faith private, it can become known through ordinary family or community interactions, creating serious risk.

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How do we help Afghan Christians?

Through local partners we support believers with discipleship, practical care, and long-term resilience, helping communities endure hardship and grow in faith.

Ultimately it is about sharing life and seeing the pain of our brothers and sisters. If you feel their pain, you will pray for them, and that is the right motive for everything we do in the church.
 
*name changed to protect his identity