House Arrest for Andrew Brunson

Andrew Brunson greeting people
Pastor Brunson greeted the crowd as he was led to house arrest.
Photo: World Watch Monitor

In a story that carries strong political overtones, American pastor Andrew Brunson was transferred from prison to house arrest on July 25th, despite a rejected appeal only days before. It was speculated that the move had taken place in an effort to diffuse tensions between the United States and Turkey over Pastor Brunson's arrest and imprisonment.

It is certainly an answer to prayer that he is no longer in prison. Yet the fact remains that he is still restricted and faces charges carrying very harsh penalties. David Curry from Open Doors USA affirmed, "While we are cautiously optimistic based on what we heard...there are still troubling factors. These trials can go on for a long time, and he's not been totally vindicated." For more information on Pastor Brunson's case, see this report.

Following his release, the house arrest sentencing had been appealed, but was rejected on July 31st. In response, the U.S. government issued sanctions against Turkey's Justice Minister and Interior Minister on August 1st, saying that the two men "serve as leaders of Turkish government organizations responsible for implementing Turkey's serious human rights abuses." Continue to remember Pastor Brunson during this time of uncertainty, praying that he will be freed and fully vindicated.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC helps to equip Christians by providing biblical and discipleship resources.

    Project Funds: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    83,593,483 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Turkish (70-75), Kurdish (19), other minorities (7-12)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (99.8), other (0.2)

    Leader
    President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2014)

    Government type
    Parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system derived from various European continental legal systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Turkey

    Prayerfully uphold those who have had their churches and places of worship taken over by a government that does not represent their beliefs, values or ordinances. Ask the Lord to oversee the mediation process as church officials and government representatives endeavour to work out a solution that is both honouring to Him and fair to all the members of the various churches. Despite the challenges experienced by the believers of this country, may they have a sense of God's reassuring presence and peace, knowing that one day He will reign supremely and justly over the entire earth.

Select a Region

Türkiye News

  • Authorities Prevent Church from Obtaining Land
    A view from Diclekent Boulevard, Diyarbakir.
    Diyarbakir, Türkiye
    Photo: Wikimedia / chansey (cc)

    The Diyarbakir Protestant Church Foundation began with members gathering in a home more than 20 years ago. In 2019, the congregants moved into a dedicated church building and became a legally recognized organization. Over the years, the ministry has grown to encompass more than 100 people – a number far too large for the limited space of the premises where they are currently meeting. As a result, these believers have been seeking suitable land so they can build a larger facility that will better accommodate their growing needs. Unfortunately, their efforts to obtain a potential property have been continually ignored or turned down by governing officials.

    Read more...

  • Gunmen Attack Worship Service
    The grounds of the church where the shooting took place.
    Santa Maria Catholic Church

    On the morning of January 28th, two gunmen entered the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul, Türkiye. Wearing masks, the men walked into the church, shot into the air, and then killed one person. Security footage shows the gun apparently jamming just before the men left.

    Read more...

  • Asylum Seekers Face Deportation
    Ninous Italiaee with his wife and child.
    Pastor Ninous Italiaee’s family before his detainment.
    Photo: Article18

    In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake, the focus of the world lately has been on Türkiye and northern Syria where, at the time of composing this Persecution & Prayer Alert report, more than 20,000 people have died as a result of the catastrophe. In addition, tens of thousands of survivors have been left homeless amid the cold of winter. Reports from Christians in an affected area reveal the extensive suffering taking place due to the loss of loved ones and the tremendous need for surviving victims to receive blankets, food and other important necessities required to sustain life.

    Read more...

  • Foreign Christian Workers Expelled
    Joy Subasiguller - Photo: Facebook / Joy Subasiguller
    Joy Subaşıgüller and her family
    Photo: Facebook / Joy Subaşıgüller

    Last year, at least thirty-five foreign Christian workers were expelled from Turkey, as their permits had been either revoked or denied renewal. So far this year, the number of those forced to leave the country has already reached sixteen. The latest of those workers are Joy Subaşıgüller and Pastor Zach Balon, both from the United States.

    Read more...

View All

Türkiye Videos

 
Turkey: Andrew Brunson's Testimony
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm
 
Turkey: God’s Hostage, the imprisonment of Andrew Brunson
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm
 
Turkey: Malatya Martyrs
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm