Get a FREE copy of VOM’s Global Prayer Guide with any gift
Give Now
Central African Republic (CAR)Hostile
Christian Persecution in Central African Republic (CAR)
Overview:
Christians have suffered greatly from the conflict that began in December 2012, when several Muslim groups — primarily fighters from the Chad and western Sudan border region — formed a coalition called Seleka. The coalition marched on the capital, raiding and looting predominantly Christian villages along the way. Though Seleka was short-lived, being disbanded in September 2013, ex-Seleka militants spread throughout the country, forming splinter militias and often maintaining an Islamist agenda. Christians have been among the most vulnerable in the country’s conflict, at times being driven from their homes and villages as attackers loot and destroy their homes and churches. In one town, 58,000 Christians who had been displaced by repeated attacks since 2012 were still living in refugee camps, and all churches within a 60-mile radius of the town had been destroyed. Those who wander outside the town to tend their farms — their only means of livelihood — have been at significant risk of attack. Churches are often the only ones caring for the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced in the conflict. While the CAR’s conflict has presented opportunities for Christians to display Christ’s love to a ravaged nation, indigenous churches need support from the larger body of Christ.
Major Religion:
70 percent of the population identifies as Christian. The remainder of the populace are predominantly Sunni Muslims, though many who name themselves either Muslim or Christian continue to practice animistic tribal beliefs.
Persecutor:
Christians who actively share their faith suffer intense violence at the hands of Muslim rebels.
What It Means To Follow Christ In The Central African Republic
Because of the conflict between rebel groups that publicly identify themselves as either “Muslim” or “Christian,” some have struggled to distinguish between political violence and religious persecution. However, attacks targeting churches, Christian families and pastors because of their Christian witness and other activities of biblical faith have become common.
Access To Bibles
Bibles are routinely destroyed by Islamist rebels. While they can be purchased in the capital, they are not accessible or affordable for most. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM is serving Christians who have been driven from their homes and villages. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for pastors being trained to provide emotional and spiritual care to Christians who have suffered brutal attacks.
- Pray that displaced Christians will be a burning and shining lamp to others displaced by civil war.
- Pray for the safety of Christians who provide lifesaving supplies to those displaced by war.
- Pray that indigenous churches will experience the love and support of the global body of Christ.
- Pray that the faithful witness of Christians in the CAR will help change the hearts of Islamists.
- Use 2 Chronicles 20:12 as a guide to pray for Christians facing fear and uncertainty in the CAR.