Persecution of Christians on the Rise in Türkiye
Have you ever faced discrimination because of your faith? If you haven’t, you’re part of a fortunate few. Unfortunately, many people around the world, including in Türkiye, are not so lucky. Recently, Türkiye has classified Christian leaders and missionaries as a “national security threat,” a label that has been used to justify the deportation of numerous foreign Christians. Advocacy groups highlight that this designation is fueling fears of religious discrimination and potential deportation.
Since 2020, over 350 foreign Christian workers and their families have been barred from entering Türkiye due to these threats. Reports indicate that certain groups, identified as N-82s and G-87s, have been denied re-entry or residence permits, often without any clear allegations or evidence against them. This situation, while severe, is unfortunately not isolated—similar discrimination is reported in various other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, and across Latin America and Europe.
Today, advocates and human rights organizations are pushing back against this ongoing crisis. Türkiye has seen dozens of Christians expelled between 2019 and 2020 without valid reasons. According to advocacy groups, Christians remain the most persecuted religious group globally, yet their plight isn’t receiving adequate international attention. The Turkish government is said to systematically target Christians and their families, banning them from re-entering the country even after long-term legal stays.
Authorities might continue to cite vague “security concerns,” but Christians assert that the true issue stems from their faith. A notable example is the case of Andrew Brunson, who was imprisoned for two years starting in October 2016. Initially accused of links to a controversial movement, Brunson endured harsh conditions and was at risk of a lengthy prison sentence. His release in October 2018 came only after intense diplomatic pressure from the United States.
Advocacy groups working on similar cases argue that deportation and imprisonment are aimed not at ensuring safety but rather at silencing Christians. There’s a rising alarm from religious freedom groups in the U.S. and Europe regarding the threats posed to Christians in Türkiye.
The Church has historically faced persecution, which prompts a call for immediate prayer and action. Will we continue to stand firm in our beliefs during such trying times? As noted in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, challenges are a part of life: “We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Through all this, Christ remains with us. As we seek wisdom during our own struggles, let’s not forget to pray for our fellow believers in Türkiye, who urgently need our support. Our prayers can indeed make a difference.
