How many Christians are there in Mauritania?
There are around 10,000 Christians in Mauritania, from a population of 4.7 million – about 0.2 per cent.
Why are Christians persecuted in Mauritania?
It’s illegal for Mauritanians to convert from Islam to Christianity. It’s also seen as a betrayal of tribe and family in Mauritania’s very tribal culture.
What’s life like for Christians in Mauritania?
Believers in Mauritania often have to keep their faith completely secret. Ostracism from one’s family and community wouldn’t just mean disgrace – it could mean death, since the extended family is often necessary for survival in Mauritania’s nomadic, communal society.
It’s almost impossible to meet together to worship, and any expatriate Christians who express their faith risk being prosecuted for trying to convert other people. The main reason that Mauritania isn’t higher up the World Watch List is that there are not many reports of anti-Christian violence in the country – though this could be because it is particularly difficult to hear about such incidents. The Sahel belt more broadly is witnessing an alarming increase in violent extremism.
How can I help Christians in Mauritania?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Mauritania. Your gifts and prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors supports the church in North Africa through providing training, distributing Christian literature, socio-economic development projects and advocacy.
Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Mauritania, that they would find a way to worship and study Your Word despite intense opposition and the risks they face. Please change the oppressive culture and laws of the country so that Your children can worship in peace.
