UZBEKISTAN – One year after the Andijan revolts, much has changed
11/05/06 - Fast growing Christianity in Uzbekistan is being aggressively resisted by Uzbek authorities
Summary:
Since the May 2005 mass demonstrations protesting primarily against economic hardships in Andijan city in the Ferghana valley of Uzbekistan, the political, economic and religious climates have deteriorated for the people, and the pressure on the church has become much worse. The government often associates the Uzbek church with the West, thinking that Western financial support is the source of the rapid growth of Christianity in the country. In an effort to put an end to the growth of Christianity in Uzbekistan, police officers have interrogated many of the pastors, created extensive personal files on every Uzbek Christian leader, and attempted to close even registered churches.
In a recent report from an Open Doors co-worker in Central Asia, Suleiman* said, “The government does not understand why Christianity is growing so rapidly in the country - in 15 years, it grew from nothing to 25,000 members. Authorities try to grasp why Muslims who turn to Christianity are determined to stay with their choice even though they are persecuted by their relatives, lose their jobs and get kicked out of their villages. Surely there must be some hidden motive? They see that the Church receives some financial resources from the West and think that is the reason why Uzbeks become Christians.
“They can’t imagine people putting up with all that trouble just because they believe in Jesus’ love and forgiveness. So, they decided to put an end to the growth of Christianity in Uzbekistan.
“After the Andijan events, authorities started to crack down on the Uzbek Church, trying to get as much information about it as possible. Many of the pastors were taken to police offices and interrogated, often under much pressure. Police were ordered to create an extensive file of personal details on every Uzbek Christian leader. We heard that local police have to report weekly to the public prosecutor about all religious activities in their area, including the registered churches. Worship services are being raided by the police, Christian literature and Bibles are confiscated, computers are being seized and any information they find is used against us.
“Registered churches are also being scrutinised, and authorities are attempting to find any reason to close down a church and to annul its registration.
“Many expatriate Christian workers did not get their residence permits renewed and had to leave the country. Several non-governmental organisations were forced to close down their operations. The list is long and is still growing. Until today, authorities have not reduced the pressure.
“What encouraged me greatly was that, when this wave of persecution was hitting us, I saw the strength of believers. I met with one key leader of the Christian community in the middle of the night. Most of the leaders were arrested, and we expected his arrest any minute, so we talked and ‘cleaned’ the house of Christian books and deleted files off his computer..
“After we finished, I asked him whether he would prefer leaving the town for a while and go into hiding. He looked at me and said, ‘My dear brother, I understand the danger, but I also understand it is time in my country and for my church that someone should stay and fight.
“If I leave, what will the many people who know me do? They will also leave. I should stay and fight. But I do ask your help for a temporary hiding place for my wife and children.’
“Christians in Uzbekistan have asked for our prayers. The church is growing very fast and it needs strong leaders with wisdom how to act, courage to stay in spite of the pressure, vision for the Uzbek people and an understanding of the time we live in.”
Eddie Lyle, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland said, “We understand that 750 people were killed in the mainly Muslim uprising in May last year, when the army opened fire on the crowds. The United States and Europe severely criticised the actions of the Uzbek government, and a strong anti-Western trend has been much in evidence over the past year which has proved increasingly difficult for Christians. The Christians need wisdom and our support in order to stand strong despite increasing pressure.”
Open Doors UK & Ireland – Phone 01993 885400, email info@opendoorsuk.org or visit www.opendoorsuk.org
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* name changes for security reasons
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