A report by the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) highlighted ongoing violence and discrimination against Christians in Türkiye. The report says Christians face armed attacks, threats, hate speech, and legal obstacles that make their lives unsafe. Recent attacks include shootings at Kurtuluş Protestant Church on New Year’s Eve 2023 and Santa Maria Catholic Church in January 2024, which killed a visitor. Christians who converted from Islam are especially at risk, even from their own families. The report also notes that Türkiye denies the Armenian genocide, and Christian communities have lost property and legal rights over the past century. Once 20 percent of Türkiye’s population, Christians now make up only 0.3 percent. Laws, administrative obstacles, and discrimination make it hard for churches and foundations to operate. Sunni Islam dominates the national identity, and media and political messages often portray Christians as foreign or threatening. The ECLJ urges Türkiye to protect Christian communities, guarantee legal rights, register property, and allow free elections for church boards to ensure their survival.

Almighty GOD, the Scripture says that You shall never permit the righteous to be moved. We claim this Verse for Your people in Türkiye. We pray for You to sustain them and their faith as they face persecution in their homeland (The Holy Bible, Psalm 55:22).

Pray for the end of religious oppression in Türkiye. Pray for freedom of religion and freedom of Worship for all the people, especially believers, in the country (The Holy Bible, Luke 1:37).

News Source: macaubusiness, Christian Daily

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