Central Asia (MNN) – For years, Christians in Central Asia have quietly practiced their faith, often under the radar. But lately, things have been changing – and not for the better.

Governments that once ignored small Christian communities are now tightening restrictions, and believers are feeling the pressure.

So what’s behind this shift? The answer goes back several decades.

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Central Asian nations faced a power struggle between secular and Muslim factions. Most governments ultimately leaned toward secularism, prioritizing stability and combating extremism.

“At the time, there was such a small Christian population, a majority of the extremism they were concerned about was…a radical form of Islam,” explains Eric Mock with Slavic Gospel Association (SGA).

However, the political landscape is shifting as more Muslim officials take government positions and focus pressure on Christian communities.

“A lot of what we see depends on the region and the local law enforcement,” says Mock. “You have the government policy, and then how it’s implemented locally has a lot to do with the character of the religious groups that are there and the intent of the local law enforcement.”

This year, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called out the Central Asian countries – Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan – for using extremism laws to censor Christians and peaceful religious activities.

Also, for the first time in at least five years, all five Central Asian countries appeared on the 2025 World Watch List for Christian persecution. Kyrgyzstan previously was not ranked.

Yet, believers across Central Asia are faithful to Christ in the face of growing persecution.

“I asked them, ‘How are you holding up? How are you doing?’” shares Mock. “I get the same response – That I should not ask how they are doing. But instead, [I should] join with them and pray that God moves them to an abundant harvest.”

SGA supports Christians in Central Asia through spiritual encouragement and prayer. The ministry also offers resources such as biblical literature, trainings, and financial assistance.

Mock explains, “We get behind those who know their people the best, who love Christ and want to see more of their people won to Christ…. We support them as God leads them.”

Join SGA in praying for and supporting the Church in Central Asia! Learn more at SGA’s website.

 

Header image is a representative stock image courtesy of Farid Mardanov via Unsplash.