In contrast to its Middle Eastern neighbors, Jordan has traditionally maintained considerable tolerance toward minority groups. Millions of refugees seek sanctuary within its borders.

While Islam is the official state religion, as 95 percent of Jordan’s population is Muslim, the constitution provides for freedom of religion.

Although proselytizing of Muslims is technically illegal, Christians living in Jordan have faced relatively little persecution, even while actively, tactfully and discreetly sharing the gospel. Until recently, that is.

Local Muslim leaders, influenced by Islamic radicals, have begun to force changes within the country. Although the federal government is resisting, radicals are working to implement Sharia law.

Some believers from other Arabic countries have received letters from Islamic radicals demanding they quit their Christian ministries and resign from their jobs. If they refuse, they risk being arrested. Several have been handcuffed and escorted to a plane or boat. They are typically deported without money or a chance to say goodbye to their families.

A Jordanian ministry leader recently contacted Christian Aid when a fellow Arabic Christian worker was forcefully deported from the country. The man was a youth minister at his church and earned a living by working at a hotel. He received a letter from local authorities demanding that he resign from his job at the hotel, as well as from youth ministry. He refused. One month later, he was forced to leave Jordan.

According to this ministry leader, authorities have begun to persecute even those Christians who are not actively engaging in evangelism. Two additional people received letters demanding they quit their jobs and stop attending their churches or face arrest and deportation. Several Egyptians, with especially fruitful ministries, have been deported. Native Jordanian missionaries are facing increased persecution. Many have left the country for fear of arrest and imprisonment.