Persecution type: Dictatorial paranoia/Islamic oppression

What does persecution look like in Kazakhstan?

Persecution in Kazakhstan hasn’t changed much over the years. Legislation dating back to September 2011 restricts the ability to worship freely. Kazakhstan’s government has steadily increased its control over religious expression in the country, which means increased surveillance, raids on church meetings and arrests. It uses the threat of militant Islam to restrict more freedoms.  

Russian Orthodox churches experience the fewest problems from the government because they do not usually attempt to evangelize the Kazakh population. It is the Kazakh Christians from a Muslim background who bear the worst persecution, both at the hands of the state and from family, friends and community. Some converts are locked up by their families for long periods, beaten and may eventually be expelled from their communities. Local mullahs also preach against them. 

In short, pressure is high for Christians across the board. Muslim families, friends and villagers put pressure on converts, while the government imposes many restrictions on the functioning of Christian churches of all denominations and backgrounds.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Converts from Islam are particularly vulnerable in Kazakhstan, as they bear the weight of persecution from their families and communities and they receive the general discrimination and pressure put on Christians by the government. Additionally, pressure on converts to Christianity is generally more intense in rural environments.

PLEASE PRAY

• Pray for Christians—and particularly for church leaders—in Kazakhstan who endure government suspicion and interference in their lives and faith. Pray they would be able to worship without impediment and that church leaders who are detained would be set free. 

• Pray for converts from Islam, that they would be protected from oppression and discrimination from their family, friends and community. 

• Pray God would work through the hearts of the leaders of Kazakhstan. The country has been a single-party government for decades, and control is tight. Ask that God would make known the truth of His Kingdom to the government of Kazakhstan.