Penalties for Apostasy Increased

Man reading in the desert - The Voice of the Martyrs U.S. - www.icommittopray.com

Christians in Mauritania are concerned about recent changes to the laws regarding religious conversion. On April 27th, the Mauritanian National Assembly approved changes to increase the penalty for apostasy.

According to the new regulations, the death penalty is now mandatory for those convicted of "blasphemous remarks" or "sacrilegious acts." Further, those found guilty of "the breach of prohibitions prescribed by Allah or the facilitation of their non-compliance," or "outrage to public decency and the values of Islam," can face a prison sentence of up to two years, along with a fine.

Pray that these legal changes will not cause the Christians in Mauritania to succumb to fear, but rather to rally together with increased spiritual fervor, unity and intercession for the good of their nation and fellow citizens. Despite the new restrictions, may those seeking truth not be deterred but further encouraged to pursue a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus who ultimately reigns supreme over all.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC has partnered to equip Muslim Background Believers with skills for ministry so that they will be empowered to share the Gospel among the unreached in this region of the world.

    Project Fund: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    4,244,878 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Black Moors (40), White Moors (30), Sub-Saharan Mauritanians (30)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (100)

    Leader
    President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani (2019)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of Islamic and French civil law.

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Mauritania

    Pray that Christians in Mauritania will find support and fellowship with other believers, despite their small numbers.

    Pray seekers will encounter Jesus, and those who follow Him will be courageous in their witness.

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Mauritania News

  • Safety Concerns After Demonstration Against Christians
    Several buildings are brightly illuminated in the desert sun. Some camels are milling about in the sand.
    Nouakchott, Mauritania
    Photo: Flickr / jbdodane (cc)

    On April 7th, Muslim imams organized a demonstration in the southern city of Sélibaby, Mauritania, to protest against Christians within their community. The protest, which had been approved by the authorities, was instigated after a Christian convert died in a motorcycle accident a few days earlier. Some Muslim leaders were angered over the burial of the Christian's body within their community, since they regarded him as an "apostate."

    Read more...

  • Christian "Hit List" Posted Online
    A man and some camels
    Pray that the Spirit of Christ will draw Mauritanians to Himself.

    According to Greg Kelley from World Mission, Islamic extremists in the Northwest African nation of Mauritania have created an online hit list containing the names of Christian leaders. Describing this action as a "call to warfare," the mission representative has expressed great concern over what he perceives as a green light for opposing militants to kill Christians.

    Read more...

  • Penalties for Apostasy Increased
    Man reading in the desert - The Voice of the Martyrs U.S. - www.icommittopray.com

    Christians in Mauritania are concerned about recent changes to the laws regarding religious conversion. On April 27th, the Mauritanian National Assembly approved changes to increase the penalty for apostasy.

    According to the new regulations, the death penalty is now mandatory for those convicted of "blasphemous remarks" or "sacrilegious acts." Further, those found guilty of "the breach of prohibitions prescribed by Allah or the facilitation of their non-compliance," or "outrage to public decency and the values of Islam," can face a prison sentence of up to two years, along with a fine.

    Read more...

  • Christian aid worked killed
    Photo from Ralph Buckner Funeral Home

    Al-Qaeda has reportedly claimed responsibility for shooting and killing an American aid worker, Christopher Leggett (39), on June 23 in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania. On June 25, Al-Jazeera TV reportedly received an audio statement from al-Qaeda which stated that "two knights of the Islamic Maghreb succeeded Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. to kill the infidel American Christopher Leggett for his Christianising activities." Leggett worked for a non-governmental organization in Mauritania involved in training and equipping prisoners to re-enter society. He also oversaw a microloan program which fostered the growth of small businesses. He had been a resident of Mauritania for the past seven years along with his wife and four children.

    Thank the Lord for Christopher Leggett's life as a cross-bearing disciple. Ask God to comfort those who mourn for him. Pray that Christians in Mauritania will be emboldened to follow in their Saviour's footsteps and remain steadfast in faith (1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16).

    To learn more about trials facing Christians in Mauritania, go to the Mauritania Country Report.

    Read more...

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Mauritania Video

 
Mauritania: Rejected, Falsely Accused and Threatened with Death – Adam’s Story of Perseverance
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