Jordan

Where Persecution Comes From

Converts to Christianity from Islam experience a great deal of persecution from all parts of Jordanian society, usually beginning at home. Family members of converts sometimes violently persecute or kill them for leaving Islam. Both families and “friends” report conversions to authorities, resulting in government and tribal pressure to renounce Christianity. Still seen as Muslims, converts to Christianity are constantly persecuted in hopes they will give up and “return to their senses.” Some Christian leaders pressure evangelical believers not to evangelize for fear of the resulting backlash that affects all Christians.

How Christians are Suffering

Christians in Jordan who belong to the Orthodox and Roman Catholic denominations enjoy a relatively high level of religious freedom but still experience discrimination. Muslim Background Believers (MBBs) bear the brunt of the persecution, and their numbers continue to grow. Over the past few years, the situation for these converts has worsened. Any open proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ leads to serious consequences, including beatings, arrests and murders. Evangelical, Baptist and Pentecostal congregations, in particular, face much opposition due to their being involved in evangelism and ministry. The Jordanian government doesn’t recognize these churches, resulted in violence against Christian congregations going unpunished.

Examples

Due to security concerns, examples of Christian persecution in Jordan are not currently available for publishing.