WIN: Saudi Arabia - Persecution
Saudi Arabia, Arabian Peninsula
Leader: King Abdullah
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Christians: 4-5% (expatriates)
Persecution Ranking: 2nd
Saudi Arabia's Constitution actually states that all citizens must be Muslims. The legal code prescribes the death penalty for those who convert from Islam to Christianity (or any other faith). Expatriate Christians are allowed to worship in private according to the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. On the 12th of March, 2003, the Saudi Press Authority quoted him as saying, "We say to Christians: do whatever you want, you and your family, in your home, worship what you want, but there has not been, or will not be, a Church." However, nowhere in the present Saudi legal code is it defined what constitutes a home. The ambiguity leads to the raiding of expatriate house fellowships by the religious police, commonly resulting in confiscated equipment, damaged religious articles, including Bibles and crosses, and short periods of detention for the leaders. There are calls for reform from within the country.
Prayer points:
- Pray for greater clarity over what is acceptable for expatriate Christians as they practice Christianity in this hostile place. For an end to harassment and for Psalm 91 protection over the Christian Believers.
- Pray for wisdom and courage for all Christians living in Saudi Arabia, that God will use them to bring revival and Christ’s presence to this country.
- Pray that the authorities would respond to calls for reform coming from outside and inside Saudi Arabia.
LORD God Almighty, help and encourage those who call on You Father, Son and Holy Spirit in this land. Strengthen them to uphold Your truth revealed in Jesus Christ and to express Your love of all and acceptance of all who seek You. Oh Sovereign LORD, we ask that Your will be done across this land. Amen.
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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, Voice of the Martyrs USA, and 3P Ministries
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
Leader: King Abdullah
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Christians: 4-5% (expatriates)
Persecution Ranking: 2nd
Saudi Arabia's Constitution actually states that all citizens must be Muslims. The legal code prescribes the death penalty for those who convert from Islam to Christianity (or any other faith). Expatriate Christians are allowed to worship in private according to the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. On the 12th of March, 2003, the Saudi Press Authority quoted him as saying, "We say to Christians: do whatever you want, you and your family, in your home, worship what you want, but there has not been, or will not be, a Church." However, nowhere in the present Saudi legal code is it defined what constitutes a home. The ambiguity leads to the raiding of expatriate house fellowships by the religious police, commonly resulting in confiscated equipment, damaged religious articles, including Bibles and crosses, and short periods of detention for the leaders. There are calls for reform from within the country.
Prayer points:
- Pray for greater clarity over what is acceptable for expatriate Christians as they practice Christianity in this hostile place. For an end to harassment and for Psalm 91 protection over the Christian Believers.
- Pray for wisdom and courage for all Christians living in Saudi Arabia, that God will use them to bring revival and Christ’s presence to this country.
- Pray that the authorities would respond to calls for reform coming from outside and inside Saudi Arabia.
LORD God Almighty, help and encourage those who call on You Father, Son and Holy Spirit in this land. Strengthen them to uphold Your truth revealed in Jesus Christ and to express Your love of all and acceptance of all who seek You. Oh Sovereign LORD, we ask that Your will be done across this land. Amen.
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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, Voice of the Martyrs USA, and 3P Ministries
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
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