Christians Face Economic, Civil and Societal Opposition

In this majority-Muslim country, Christians face opposition in several significant ways. Christians make up around 25% of Chad’s population, but the Muslim-dominated government prohibits Christians from owning gas stations and many other businesses. Lack of economic opportunities causes some Christians to convert to Islam. “One influential politician converted to Islam and is now offering a motorcycle to every new convert from Christianity in his town,” said a pastor. He added that the court system in a country that is nearly 60% Muslim also discriminates against Christians. Christians are also violently persecuted by the 15% of Chadians who practice African traditional religions. A church and a pastor’s home were burned, and a front-line worker said that kind of attack happens nearly every year during cultic initiation rituals. Chadian church leaders ask for prayer that local churches will work together to face these challenges.