Christianity in Yemen
Christianity in Yemen is the story of how Christianity continues to survive in one of the most war-torn regions in the world. [1]
What does persecution look like in Yemen?
"Following Jesus in Yemen continues to be extremely dangerous. Yemeni society is strongly Islamic, conservative and tribal, and the tribal punishment for denouncing Islam can be death or banishment. Most believers are Yemeni and come from Muslim backgrounds. As conversion from Islam is forbidden by Islamic and state law, Christians must keep their faith secret, or risk severe repercussions from their families, the authorities or radical Islamic groups. This can include divorce, loss of custody of children, arrest, interrogation and even death." [2] "The UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief stated authorities subjected prominent Christian figures to intimidation or threats of being charged with apostasy, which carried the death penalty. He also said progovernment armed forces targeted Houthi Shia religious sites for expropriation or destruction, and reportedly killed worshippers and committed sexual violence while attacking these religious sites. The NGO Open Doors stated that in areas dominated or freed by the Saudi-led coalition, radical Sunni groups frequently targeted Christians."
... According to the UN special rapporteur, the Houthis spread “hateful rhetoric” against religious minorities in the educational curriculum. According to Open Doors, Christians and other religious minorities were the most vulnerable in Houthi-controlled areas in the north and rural areas in the south, where there was a strong al-Qa’ida presence and where ISIS-Yemen (ISIS-Y) also targeted Christians. Open Doors said pressure on Christians in all spheres of life, including education, employment, family life, and the ability to observer religious practices, was “at extreme levels.” Converts faced death threats and risked banishment from their tribes if they did not return to Islam. Open Doors reported Muslim humanitarian aid providers denied assistance to religious minorities." [3]
Population of Christians
The Population of Christians is a small fraction of Yemen's 33 MN, probably around 300,000. May prayers and missionary efforts from the Universal Church arise for Yemen, for it remains one of the least Evangelized and most Islamized regions on the entire Earth.