Calls for prayer for Afghanistan as Christians warn of 'dangerous time'

Chaos outside the airport at Kabul as desperate Afghans attempt to flee. (Photo: Sky News)

Open Doors is asking Christians to pray after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is ranked number 2 on the Open Doors World Watch List of the 50 places where Christians suffer the greatest persecution for their faith. The country is second only to North Korea.

The non-profit, which supports persecuted Christians around the world, said Afghanistan is home to a "small group of secret believers" for whom levels of vulnerability have "increased tenfold". 

It said it is closely monitoring the situation as it called Christians around the world to join together in "urgent prayer" for the country. 

"It's a heartbreaking day for the citizens of Afghanistan and an even more dangerous time to be a Christian," said Brother Samuel, Open Doors Field Director for Asia.

International Christian Concern said the fall of Kabul has "sparked a wave of new religious freedom concerns across the Middle East".

Claire Evans, ICC's Regional Manager, said the dramatic events of the last few days marked a "turning point" for religious freedom across the entire region.

"The atmosphere throughout the Middle East region has changed with the fall of Kabul to the Taliban," she said.

"The Middle East had just entered the recovery stages following the defeat of ISIS, an ideology predicated on the genocide of religious minorities.

"Now those same terrorists feel empowered by the Taliban's resurrection and success in Kabul.

"When ISIS captured new territory, Middle Eastern governments largely condemned it.

"Now, particularly in the case of Turkey, we see similar activities openly legitimized. This is potentially a significant turning point for religious freedom across the Middle East.

"We are watching the Middle Eastern response closely and with great concern."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Kemi Badenoch: End investigations into Darlington nurses and Jennifer Melle
Kemi Badenoch: End investigations into Darlington nurses and Jennifer Melle

The NHS appears to be resisting the Supreme Court ruling on gender.

Newsboys launch legal action against MercyMe, concert promoters and media
Newsboys launch legal action against MercyMe, concert promoters and media

The Christian band Newsboys and owner Wes Campbell have filed a federal lawsuit in Tennessee alleging defamation and antitrust violations against major figures in CCM, including MercyMe and frontman Bart Millard, claiming a coordinated effort to force them out of the concert market.

Nick Vujicic responds to rumours he is dead by confirming he is alive and well
Nick Vujicic responds to rumours he is dead by confirming he is alive and well

"Although I’d like to go Home, there’s much more work to be done,” the 43 year old said.

'Sad moment' as abortion up to birth becomes the law of the land
'Sad moment' as abortion up to birth becomes the law of the land

The passage of the Crime and Policing Bill means, among other things, that women who abort their babies beyond the legal limit of 24 weeks will face no criminal sanction.