DESIGNATION: Restricted
OVERVIEW: Libya remains in chaos following the outbreak of revolution and overthrow of its dictator in 2011. Today, three opposing governments vie for control. The conflicts have severely damaged the country’s infrastructure and have made gospel work in the country extremely difficult. Many missionaries and indigenous believers have been killed in recent years, and evangelical work in the country is ruthlessly opposed. Christians are a small minority in Libya (less than 3 percent of the population), but their number continues to grow despite persecution and a volatile political environment.
MAJOR RELIGIONS: 97 percent of Libyans are Sunni Muslim, 2 percent are Christians, including very few evangelicals.
PERSECUTOR: Extremist groups operate throughout the country, including the Muslim Brotherhood and the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS). Friends and family also severely persecute converts.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN LIBYA: Life is difficult in Libya, and the difficulties are compounded for Christian converts from Islam. There are few believers in Libya, and it is extremely difficult for them to practice their faith openly. Christians are rejected by their Muslim family and friends. They are beaten, fired from jobs and sometimes killed. It’s impossible to know whether any Christians are imprisoned in Libya, but it is considered likely.
ACCESS TO BIBLES: Access to Bibles is severely restricted, and they are brought into the country with extreme difficulty and risk. Christians in Libya take great risks just to own a Bible, including digital formats used on smartphones and computers.
VOM WORK: VOM supports an online church, where believers can gather from the safety of their homes to fellowship and learn together. We also support several evangelists and church planters.
