Where Christians Are Hunted
Second only to North Korea as the world’s worst persecutor of Christians. Somalia’s tiny community of Muslim-background believers (MBBs) is estimated at fewer than 200 people, and all are viewed as apostates by the Muslim majority. When Christians are discovered by al-Shabab (a militant Islamist group that controls much of southern and central Somalia), they are sometimes beheaded on the spot.
Islam is the de facto state religion, even though the Interim National Constitution claims to provide religious freedom. Muslims are given preferential treatment, and non-Islamic proselytism is prohibited. It is difficult for Christians to obtain permission to build churches. Converts face social pressure and harassment from security services. Of the 246 people groups in Sudan, 137 are unreached by the gospel.
Somalia: Al-Shabab Swears to Eradicate Christians
Somali Christians are in constant fear of persecution or death for their testimony. Sometimes just owning a Bible is enough to put Christians in life-threatening situations. Al-Shabab, a militant Islamist group now allied with Al-Qaeda, has vowed to rid Somalia of Christians and impose Sharia law.
South Sudan: VOM Provides Much-Needed Aid
The Voice of the Martyrs continues to support Christians in South Sudan through community development efforts and by providing relief supplies and other needs.
South Sudan: Brad Phillips Interview
Brad Phillips of Persecution Project Foundation shares how The Voice of the Martyrs has helped efforts to support Christians in South Sudan.