We serve Christians around the world whose brave faith in Jesus means they are, beaten, threatened, imprisoned, tortured, falsely accused, disowned and hated.
Since the revolution in 2011 the situation for Christians has got worse and worse and violent extremist groups, like those affiliated with IS, control large strategic areas. The government says all Libyans are Sunni Muslims, though there are an estimated 35,100 Christians (the vast majority of these are migrants and not Libyan nationals). Churches for Libyans are prohibited.
EVERY £8
Could provide a young person from Central Asia with a Bible in their own language
EVERY £26
Could provide trauma care for a victim of violent persecution
Since the revolution in 2011 the situation for Christians has got worse and worse.
The government says all Libyans are Sunni Muslims, though there are an estimated 34,400 Christians (the vast majority of these are migrants and not Libyan nationals).
It’s illegal to take Arabic Bibles into Libya or to share the gospel.
The government has been unable to stop violent extremist groups, like those affiliated with IS, taking control of strategic areas.
A key leader has suggested that Christians should be thought of as a threat to national security. Police monitor Christian activity.
Migrant workers from other countries are allowed churches, but churches for Libyans are forbidden.
Libyan converts may be beaten by family members, whereas Christian migrant workers can face threats and severe violence.
Libya: The basics
Libya continues to be a place with very little political stability. Much of the country is ruled over by militias. But a small number of Libyans have encountered Jesus and chosen to follow Him. It could cost them everything.
Converts from Islam face the most intense and violent pressure from their family and community. They risk house arrest, attack, abduction, sexual violence and murder. It is incredibly dangerous for converts to meet together to worship, and church life is almost non-existent.
Libya continues to be a place with very little political stability. Much of the country exists in a sort of perpetual anarchy, ruled over by militias linked to the official government (in the West of the country) or by the Libyan National Army (in the East), with strong Islamist influences in both cases. Due to lawlessness, Christians can easily be targets for violence and death.
Christianity seems impossible in Libya. But God is the God of the impossible. Please pray that these strongholds are broken down, and more and more Libyans will courageously choose Jesus – knowing that He is worth the cost.
Libya: More details
What is life like?
Even Christians who aren’t Libyan or converts are at risk. Christians from other parts of Africa are targeted by extremist groups. Christians have been kidnapped and, in a few high-profile incidents, brutally murdered. Christians from sub-Saharan Africa – many of whom come to Libya as displaced people trying to get to Europe – face additional risk. Because of their lack of official status, they can be kidnapped and trafficked, and extremist groups target these believers, as well.
If being a Christian is dangerous in Libya, it’s even more dangerous to tell other people about Jesus. In March 2023, six Libyans were arrested for sharing their faith. They even face the death penalty. Their fate isn’t known yet, at the time of writing – but the arrest is having an effect the persecutors never predicted. More and more people are becoming curious about Christianity for the first time, as a result of the incident.
Is it getting harder for Christians?
Libya has moved up two places on the World Watch List, with the highest increase in the number of reported incidents of violence against believers. It’s clear there is no safe part of Libya for any believer.
How is Open Doors helping?
Open Doors works with local partners and churches in North Africa to provide leadership and discipleship training, livelihood support, legal aid, trauma counselling, Bibles and pastoral care.
PRAY NOW
Father God, Libya has been so deadly for Christians for so long. We lift up our brothers and sisters who live under constant risk just because they worship you. Please comfort those who have lost loved ones, or who have been kicked out of their families. Please show Your face and mercy to believers who have been detained and face an enormous cost for their faith. Please, God, be with Your people everywhere in Libya where they are at risk of attack and death. Have mercy on them. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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