Christianity in Turkmenistan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christians constitute 5% of the population in Turkmenistan. [1] However, they are generally subject to restrictions in their freedom of religion, even though this is guaranteed in the country's constitution. [1] Bibles have been seized and Christians have been tortured,[1] while Ethnic Turkmen who become Christian are subject to pressure by the authorities and mullahs. [1][2]
Contents |
[edit] Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church is officially recognized and constitute the largest religious minority. [3][4] Many Turkmen are followers. [5] The Church is under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Archbishop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. [4]
[edit] Other denominations
Around 50 Catholics live in Turkmenistan. [6] There are also ethnic Germans, who are practising Lutherans; [4] while there are few Evangelical Christians in Turkmenistan. [7] Evangelical Christian Baptist Church of Turkmenistan, Seventh-day Adventist Church of Turkmenistan, Full Gospel Christian Church of Turkmenistan (Pentecostals), Light of the East Church (Dashoguz Pentecostal Church), Greater Grace Church of Turkmenistan, International Church of Christ, and the New Apostolic Church of Turkmenistan are all registered Christian denominations. [4]
Since 2003 all religious groups have to register and unregistered activity is illegal. [7][4]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Open Doors (Deutschland) : Turkmenistan
- ^ http://www.opendoors-de.org/downloads/laenderinformationen_turkmenistan_2007.pdf
- ^ The EFC - Religious Freedom Turkmenistan
- ^ a b c d e Turkmenistan
- ^ Turkmenistan: Orthodox Faith Under Siege
- ^ Turkmenistan, Statistics by Diocese, by Catholic Population [Catholic-Hierarchy]
- ^ a b :: Betanien - Newsletter ::
