DESIGNATION: Restricted
OVERVIEW: Jordan has experienced an influx of refugees from neighboring countries over the past 70 years, with nearly half the current population composed of refugees. Syrians began arriving in large numbers during their civil war, which began in 2011. The majority of Christian activity among Jordanian Christians in recent years has been focused on serving these refugees. Having seen God work so powerfully among Arab Muslim refugees, Jordanian Christians are emboldened as never before to reach out to their Muslim neighbors.
MAJOR RELIGIONS: 96 percent of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims. 2 percent are Christians.
PERSECUTOR: Christian converts from Islam are persecuted, sometimes violently in rural and tribal areas, by their families and extended clan. The Jordanian government restricts open evangelism and sometimes also Bible distribution activities.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN JORDAN: Christians are free to meet openly, but they have difficulty getting government approval to open new churches or church facilities. Gatherings of believers are monitored, and Muslims that convert to Christianity often meet privately in homes to avoid drawing extra attention. Family member often create severe hardships for these believers by taking their homes, children, jobs and inheritances. Those born into Christian families are allowed to worship openly and dress differently.
ACCESS TO BIBLES: A variety of Bibles are available through Bible societies and book stores.
VOM WORK: VOM helps respond to persecution attacks and the needs of Christian refugees. We also provide training for Christian leaders.
