Restricted
Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is less restrictive than its neighbors on the Arabian Peninsula. While there are a limited number of church buildings, the few Omani Christians in the country usually meet covertly and carefully discuss their faith because of the risk of persecution from family, community and government.
Major Religion
About 91 percent of Omanis are Muslims, including about 70 percent Ibadi Muslims, with the remainder a mix of Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Of the remaining Omanis, 5 percent are Hindu and 3 percent are Christian.
Persecutor
Family members and communities pressure those who convert from Islam to Christianity, and the government intervenes if Christian converts become well known or are viewed as a source of shame in their community.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN OMAN
Leaving Islam is not a criminal act in Oman, but Christian converts can be harassed through legal challenges. There are few Omani believers, and the risk of persecution is so high that Christian converts must meet in small groups and use caution when sharing their faith. Foreign Christians are permitted to meet, but they are not allowed to meet in homes or to evangelize Omanis.
Access to Bibles
The government allows the Bible society to sell Bibles and Christian literature to foreigners inside the country, but not to Omanis. There is only one Christian bookstore, in Oman’s capital, but Omanis can easily access digital and audio Bibles online. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM helps with the training of local believers in evangelism and discipleship. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Oman
- Pray that all Omani Christians will find a church where they can worship the Lord and experience fellowship.
- Pray for online and broadcast ministries that are sharing God's Word as Bibles are difficult to obtain.
- Ask the Lord to protect and comfort Omani Christians facing pressure from family and community.
- Pray for effective training in discipleship and evangelism for local believers.
- Using Job 12:13–22 as a guide, pray for Christians to find true wisdom and power in the Lord.
