Turkey Classifies Christians as ‘National Security Threats,’ Prompting Deportations and Global Concern

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Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? If you haven't, you're among the few. If you have, you're in the majority. Sadly, this persecution isn't just happening in the U.S., but all over the world. At the top of the list is Turkey's recent classification of Christian leaders and missionaries as "national security threats." Deporting hundreds of foreign Christians and blocking their return with this label, the international legal advocacy group reports that this move has led to deportations and renewed fears of religious discrimination. 

Since 2020, over 350 foreign Christian workers and their families have been barred from the country under these threats. Internal security codes N-82 and G-87, according to the ADF International reports, prevent re-entry or deny residency permits, most times without charges or evidence of wrongdoing. Such persecution isn't just unfair, but highly common in other countries such as the U.S., the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Latin America, and Europe. 

Today, advocates and human rights organizations are attempting to take a stand against a multi-year issue. Again, since 2019-2020, Turkey has deported dozens of Christians, often without a valid reason or explanation. In fact, ADF International reports that "Christians are the most persecuted religious group internationally, and yet this issue receives limited attention from the international community. In Turkey, the government is systematically targeting Christians and their families by banning their reentry into the country, despite their long-term legal residence."

Turkish authorities may continue to cite "security concerns" under vague laws, but Christians continue to argue that this persecution is due exclusively to their expression and commitment to faith. Not so sure? Consider the case of Andrew Brunson, which began in October 2016. After being imprisoned for two years, Brunson was accused of being involved with the Fethullah Gülen movement. Turkish government authorities blamed this discrepancy and continued to hold Brunson hostage in harsh conditions and with potential 35-year sentences. It was not until October 2018, following significant pressure from the United States government, that Brunson walked free.  

International Christian Concern, one of many advocacy groups on the frontlines of cases like Brunson's, explains this situation best: The deportations and imprisonments aren't about security, they're about silencing Christians. As the U.S. and European religious freedom organizations continue to raise alarms, Christians must stand on guard: “Turkey’s targeting of Christians raises serious concerns about freedom of religion or belief" (USCIRF). 

The Church has always faced persecution, but cases like these remind us of the need for immediate intercession, fasting, and prayer. Will we stand for the gospel even in the face of advancing hardship? Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 reveal to us that persecution is in our future, but if we hold fast to what we know is true, we will stand the test of time: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body" (NIV). 

Christ Jesus Himself is with us through it all. As we pray for wisdom in our own persecutions, let us not forget to pray for our global leaders, too. Our Turkish brothers and sisters in Christ, believers in God Almighty, need courageous prayers. And our prayers can make a difference.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/muratcanumit / 500px

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.