Azerbaijan Leader:  President Ilham Aliyev Population:  8.5 million (0.7% Christian) Main Religion:  Islam Government:  Republic

The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but all religious communities must register. Christian communities are monitored by the secret police and local authorities. Persecution is more severe in the countryside than in the capital. The number of raids on unregistered evangelical churches increased in 2008. However, fewer Christians were arrested and there were no reports of Christians being sentenced to prison or labour camp.

Pray

• For the provision of more Bibles, Christian literature and leadership training materials
• For the many new Christians for whom the cost proves too great, that they will persevere despite pressure to return to Islam
• That the pastors who come under great pressure from the authorities will have the strength to endure.

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