Categories: christianity
Date: 27 March 2009 12:10:03
Today's country is Saudi Arabia
Language: Arabic
The region once had a large Christian population which vanished completely with the arrival of Islam.
There is no freedom of religion in the country and the Saudi government denies that there is a Christian presence in the country. It is not really known at all if there are any Christians and the number can only be guessed at. If there are any they worship entirely in secret as they face the death penalty if they go public. There was a case of a man burning his sister to death when he found out in summer 2008 that she had converted to Christianity. The internet plays a part in reaching those who are searching.
Christian ex-patriates working in Saudi are not exempt from arrest, torture or expulsion. Their punishment often depends on their country of origin. Westerners are deported; others may be treated more harshly.