DESIGNATION: Restricted

OVERVIEW: Over the last 10 years, most churches in Tajikistan have had their registration revoked, and unregistered churches meet in secrecy. Because it is the poorest former Soviet republic, many pastors and church leaders are leaving the country to work in Russia in order to support their families. The majority of the population is younger than 30, and the country lacks basic infrastructure. General corruption and the opium trade compound its difficulties.

MAJOR RELIGIONS: Most Tajiks are Sunni Muslim. Fewer than one-half of 1 percent are Christians. 

PERSECUTOR: Christian converts from Islam are persecuted by family members, and government harassment of unregistered churches is increasing.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN TAJIKISTAN: New Christian converts receive the harshest treatment. Believers are sometimes beaten and abused, and they are frequently summoned to appear at the local secret police office. Many churches meet openly, but informants often attend. It is illegal to teach children about any religion. The government restricts evangelism and the distribution of Christian literature, which it considers “extremist literature.”

ACCESS TO BIBLES: Bibles are available only in select cities. Most people cannot access or afford a Bible.

VOM WORK: VOM provides Bibles, Christian literature and other resources for evangelism and ministry tools for believers conducting outreach.