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Uzbekistan is a former soviet state, and it's still ruled by an authoritarian government that heavily monitors the population, especially religious groups. A country expert shared that in one part of Uzbekistan, “every pastor and his family were surveilled by about 30 people. Practically every step was watched.”
The historic Russian Orthodox churches experience the least persecution from the government, but they are not permitted to share their faith with the rest of the Uzbek population. All other Christian communities face some sort of monitoring and pressure. Churches that are not approved of and registered by the state are often raided by the police, with people arrested, threatened and fined for having an illegal meeting.
The vast majority of people in Uzbekistan are Muslim, and new Christian believers from Muslim families bear the brunt of persecution—from both the state and also from their own families and communities. It's perceived as a betrayal to leave Islam and brings great shame on the family. These new believers may be threatened, locked away, divorced, disowned or physically abused.
The state violates the rights of all Christians but monitors church leaders especially heavily. Believers from Muslim backgrounds also face persecution from their communities.
"[When my husband found my Bible], he assaulted me for hours, hitting and kicking my face, hands and legs while screaming distasteful names at me and saying that I betrayed him and the true god. He said that he provides for me and the kids, and only he has the right to decide which god I should believe. In my heart, I knew I was not suffering for nothing. I am suffering for the name of Jesus Christ.”
Anara (pseudonym), a woman in Central Asia who became a believer from a Muslim background. Her husband discovered her secret faith, and she was forced to flee. Church members found her a safe place to rent with her children.
Though Uzbekistan's rank didn't change from last year's World Watch List, the actual persecution score for the country rose. Muslim families, friends and villagers exert pressure on converts in particular, while the government imposes many restrictions on church activities and Christians belonging to non-registered churches have suffered from police raids, threats, arrests and fines.
Open Doors strengthens the church in Central Asia* by providing relief aid, Bibles, ministry training, prayer support, vocational training and business microloans, as well as projects such as rehabilitation centres.
* For security reasons, the name of Open Doors cannot be associated with certain activities in this country. When communicating about projects in this country do not use the country name, instead, use the region name: Central Asia.
Lord, we pray for patience, perseverance and endurance for Your people in Uzbekistan who can't freely live out their faith. Comfort and heal those who have been rejected or mistreated by their own families for choosing to follow You. We pray for justice in Uzbekistan - an end to unfounded accusations and arrests of people who have done no harm. Give Your people joy whenever they can meet together. In Jesus' name, amen.