Muslims converting to Christianity on the rise in Vienna

So far this year, roughly half of converts to Christianity in Vienna have been Muslim, according to reports.

About half of the 83 adults to have been approved for baptism in Vienna are Muslims, mostly from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, according to Friederike Dostal of the Austrian Bishops' conference, Austrian website Kurier reports.

This has increased from one third in 2015.

While the number of refugees in the country will have impacted the figures this year, the preparation time for baptism is one year, so the numbers are expected to be higher in 2017.

The Archdiocese in Vienna is currently handling between five and 10 baptism requests by adults per week.

It's not a descision that will be taken lightly. A conversion from Islam to Christianity can have serious implications.

"This could be my death sentence," said Christoph, an elderly refugee from Afghanistan who has lived in Vienna since 2012.

Speaking to Kurier, he wore dark sunglasses and only used his Christian name to avoid recognition, both for his sake and for his family's, who remain in Afghanistan.

Describing his conversion, he said: "A friend brought me a Bible from Pakistan. I read it in secret, only at home. But I read it every day."

Secrecy is crucial in Afghanistan, he said, as "whoever converts is killed". He was tortured by the Taliban before he escaped the country.

Now in Vienna, he said he feels less safe because of the influx of refugees.

"In Austria, it was once very safe for converts, that has changed due to the strong migration movement," he said.

"The refugee quarters can be dangerous, which deters many from them."

Despite the dangers, he said: "Christianity is the true religion, there is no turning back for me."

related articles
The surprising surge of Christianity in the Middle East

The surprising surge of Christianity in the Middle East

\'God is never giving up on us\': Third Day frontman opens up about discovering the Father heart of God
'God is never giving up on us': Third Day frontman opens up about discovering the Father heart of God

'God is never giving up on us': Third Day frontman opens up about discovering the Father heart of God

Syria: Muslims murdered by ISIS for helping Christians flee al-Qaryatain
Syria: Muslims murdered by ISIS for helping Christians flee al-Qaryatain

Syria: Muslims murdered by ISIS for helping Christians flee al-Qaryatain

News
Victory for ex-gay Christian who was prosecuted in Malta over 'conversion therapy' comments
Victory for ex-gay Christian who was prosecuted in Malta over 'conversion therapy' comments

It marks the end of a three-year legal battle for Matthew Grech who has been found not guilty of “advertising conversion practices” in Malta.

Turkey should be placed on Special Watch List for barring foreign Christians, says US body
Turkey should be placed on Special Watch List for barring foreign Christians, says US body

Both US and EU institutions have raised concerns about the issue.

The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics
The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics

Christian Today speaks to Emma Weaver of trypraying to hear about how a simple prayer guide is engaging even more non-Christians in prayer for the first time.

Great British Bake Off champion gifts cake to Archbishop of Canterbury
Great British Bake Off champion gifts cake to Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury has been presented with a commemorative cake by a recent winner of The Great British Bake Off.