Afghanistan

To be a Christian in Afghanistan is still extremely difficult, particularly because the constitution is based on Islamic principles. Furthermore, Islam is the state religion and laws cannot contradict the beliefs and provisions of Islam. This reporting period was harsh for the Christians as the influence of Islam increased with the expansion of Taliban influence in many provinces. The Taliban threatened expat workers, Christian aid workers and local Christians.  The social pressure from family and society is still immense for Christians.

Local people who didn’t hide their Christian conversion often received threats of violence and even death against themselves and their families.  The threats were intended to produce anxiety, fear and to force believers to renounce their new faith.  In some cases, new believers were harmed and Christians were kidnapped. Furthermore, Christians faced discrimination at school, at work and when working with authorities.   Consequently, most Christians do not publicly express their belief or feel free to attend groups of believers coming together. As far as we know, contrary to last year, nobody has been killed for their faith. Despite all harshness, Christianity is still growing in Afghanistan.

(January 2010)

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