Hostile
Tanzania
Though the Tanzanian government generally seeks to protect Christians from persecution, they still face significant opposition in Muslim-majority areas along the coast and in western regions. Tanzania is also home to many unreached tribal groups who are resistant to the gospel. Like many countries in Africa, Tanzania is being targeted by Muslim groups outside the country that work to Islamize Tanzania by establishing Muslim businesses and schools, helping Muslims get elected to office and passing laws that favor Islam. Even so, local churches in Tanzania boldly work to spread the gospel.
Major Religion
51 percent of Tanzanians are Christians; however, 99 percent of those living in the Zanzibar archipelago, along Tanzania’s coast, are Muslims.
Persecutor
Christians are persecuted by community members and organized Islamist groups in Muslim-majority areas.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN TANZANIA
Christians can freely practice their faith, but they are oppressed and harassed in predominantly Muslim areas. Persecution ranges from family pressure to the burning of churches and homes. On the island of Zanzibar, the local government works to quietly close churches, prevent the establishment of new ones and force pastors to leave. Persecution is more overt on the island of Pemba, where Christians are violently attacked. In the predominantly Muslim areas, Christians, especially converts from Islam, are often ostracized by their communities and prevented from obtaining jobs.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are readily available in most areas, but they can be difficult for believers to obtain in remote, predominantly Muslim areas. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM provides Bibles and supports Christians who are attacked or rejected because of their faith. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Tanzania
- Pray that churches on Zanzibar and Pemba will persevere in unity and courage amid violence and pressure.
- Pray that pastors who received Bible study resources will help strengthen their churches for ongoing ministry.
- Praise the Lord for strong churches that have a vision for boldly spreading the gospel.
- Pray for gospel inroads into unreached tribal groups that have been resistant to the Good News.
- Using James 1:2–4 as a guide, pray that God's people in Tanzania will experience joy and persevere when facing trials.
