What does persecution look like in Jordan?

Compared to Christians living in other Middle Eastern countries, most Christians in Jordan enjoy a relatively high level of religious freedom, but Christians from Muslim backgrounds in particular can encounter opposition. If a Christian from a Muslim background publicly declares their faith, this can lead to beatings, arrest or even death.

The state exerts pressure on all Christian communities, especially through monitoring. Unrecognized churches can face harassment by public authorities, particularly those that actively evangelize. Christians who actively share their faith, or help converts, can face hostility.

The presence of Islamic extremists, including returning jihadists from Syria and Iraq, continues to pose a threat to the Christian community.

Meet “Tareq”

“When [the leader of a Bible study group prayed with me], I felt the Holy Spirit being poured out into me. That moment changed my life. I used to be a bully, a troublemaker. But now I am a committed member of these groups, joining the Bible study meetings twice a week. I am a new creation now in Jesus Christ. I look more and more like Him.”

What has changed this year?

Despite dropping a place in the World Watch List, hostility toward Christians has marginally increased. There has been a rise in reported incidents of violence and less acceptance of public expressions of Christian faith, such as openly displaying Bible verses.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

The level of persecution is generally the same all over Jordan, although social control is likely to be higher in rural areas. The south of the country is also known to be more conservatively Islamic.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors works with local partners in Jordan to support Christians through training, relief aid and rehabilitation projects.

Number of Christians statistic is an Open Doors estimate