Sunday 10 August
According to its constitution, Türkiye is a secular state. However, the current government has increasingly moved the country towards a Sunni Muslim identity. Religious minorities are more and more vulnerable to hate speech, discrimination and intolerance. Among them are Alevi Muslims, atheists, Baha’is, Christians, Jews, and Shi’a Muslims. Pray for their protection today.
Monday 11 August
Under the leadership of President Erdoğan, there has been a surge in anti-Christian sentiments in pro-government media. Pray that the government will address hate speech and discrimination against religious minorities, including in the media and in schools.
Tuesday 12 August
There have been increasing reports of Christian students being bullied and intimidated in school. Pray for an end to the intimidation and discrimination they currently face. May they know the Lord as their friend and defender today.
Wednesday 13 August
Educational books add fuel to the hostility against religious minorities, for example by describing missionary work as a means of dividing the nation. Pray that these seeds of distrust would not take root, and that the next generation would grow up to respect people from minority faith and belief communities.
Thursday 14 August
It is impossible to train Christian leaders legally in Türkiye. The seminaries of historical Christian communities have remained closed since the 1970s, so only unofficial training can take place. Ask God to make a way for this to change.
Friday 15 August
Government administrative institutions and the security forces routinely discriminate against non-Muslims when it comes to employment. Pray that people of all religions and beliefs would be treated equally and respectfully.
Saturday 16 August
Ask God to watch over Türkiye’s refugee population, which includes Iranian and Syrian Christians. Many refugees work 16 hours a day for only half the average earnings of a Turkish employee. Many reported having to hide their faith to keep their jobs, while others were sacked once their employers discovered their religion.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/turkey