Yemen

What does persecution look like in Yemen?

Torn apart by civil war, life is very hard for everybody in Yemen, and even harder for Christians.

The country is now divided into territory ruled by three different powers, as well as some areas held by al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State. None of the powers involved are sympathetic to Christians, and the official constitution upholds Sharia (Islamic law) and no freedom of religion. The 1% of Yemenis from minority religions are severely marginalised. Relief aid is mostly distributed through local Muslim groups and mosques, which are alleged to be discriminating against anyone not considered a devout Muslim.

If someone is reported to be a Christian and or involved in Christian activities, they could face severe monitoring, arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment and even murder. In Houthi-controlled areas it's dangerous to possess a Bible or other Christian books. Leaving Islam to follow Christ is seen as a huge betrayal of the native tribe—punishment by the community can include being disowned, disinherited, divorced and losing custody of their children, being banished or even murdered. 

Persecution has increased recently as the Houthis have gained more power. At least one Christian Yemenite has been killed for his faith and dozens of house churches can no longer meet. It's especially dangerous in areas controlled by Islamic extremist groups. Many have fled the country. But Yemenis disillusioned with Islam are searching for truth and finding out about Christ through online chats with secret Christians.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

All Christians are in danger in Yemen. Those in Houthi-held areas live under the strictest prohibitions against Christianity. With a high degree of monitoring and spying, it's very difficult for Christians to meet up in person and online. Christians trying to survive in places where al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State have power are also in danger of being discovered and killed.

Meet "Zahra"

We are afraid of the extremists, spies and the government itself, as at this point, they all work together against Christians. This reality discourages us a lot of times, especially that we can’t go out with boldness to tell others about Jesus. We are very careful in all our meetings and conversations.

I know that sometimes when I enter a house, I might not come back out... They could take you to the extremists, or the police station, and that is where the interrogation starts. They could even issue my death sentence... I cannot carry the Bible with me. They can search me at any checkpoint on the way, so I try to memorise as much as I can before my visits."

Zahra*, whose Christian friend was shot in the street

What has changed this year?

Yemen rose by two places on this year's World Watch List, making it the third-most dangerous place in the world to follow Jesus. Increasing Houthi power and further radicalisation, especially after Hamas' attack on Israel 7 October 2023, means dozens of Christian house churches can no longer meet. There is more fear than a year ago, and fewer opportunities to talk about Jesus. At least one believer was killed for his faith in 2024.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Yemen?

Open Doors partners support the body of Christ in Yemen by raising prayer, distributing relief aid, training believers and pastors, and offering shelter, protection and livelihood support to persecuted believers and their relatives.

How can you pray for Yemen?

• Pray that God will bring peace and justice to Yemen, and that the cries of His people will not be forgotten.
• Ask God to protect Yemeni Christians living in places where they could be attacked by Islamic extremists.
• Pray that God would help the underground church in Yemen flourish, and believers would be able to live as salt and light in an incredibly dark place.