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."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
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
Young men in the US overtake women on religious commitment, new data shows
Young men in the US overtake women on religious commitment, new data shows

Young men in the US are now more likely than young women to say religion plays a central role in their lives, marking a notable shift in long-standing patterns of religious belief, according to new analysis from Gallup.

IDF says 'appropriate measures' will be taken against soldier who desecrated Jesus statue
IDF says 'appropriate measures' will be taken against soldier who desecrated Jesus statue

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said “appropriate measures” will be taken against any of its troops involved in the desecration of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon.

The warning of Judges
The warning of Judges

The book of Judges offers sobering lessons for the present day but will they be heeded?

Polling expert: No 'public consent' for assisted suicide
Polling expert: No 'public consent' for assisted suicide

People are concerned about the safeguards of the assisted suicide bill.