By Jeremiah Goddard
12/09/2024
16 September marks the 10th anniversary of the ongoing conflict and civil war in Yemen. For a decade, the people of Yemen have been caught in the crossfire of war, political strife, and economic devastation. The conflict, which began in 2014, has ravaged the country, leading to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. In this challenging environment, Christians, especially converts from Islam, face extraordinary hardships. Yet, despite the violence and persecution, the small Christian community in Yemen persists, offering a powerful witness of hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Historical context
The Yemeni Civil War began as a localized uprising but quickly escalated into a full-scale conflict involving regional and international groups. The Houthi movement, an armed group rooted in Zaidi Shia Islam, seized control of the capital, Sana’a, in September 2014, ousting the internationally recognised government. In response, a Saudi-led coalition launched a military campaign to restore the government’s authority. What started as a political struggle between the Houthis and the government soon spiralled into a multi-sided war involving tribal militias, Islamist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, and regional powers.
For the past ten years, the conflict has inflicted unimaginable suffering on the Yemeni people. Tens of thousands have died, and millions have been displaced. The country’s infrastructure has been decimated, leading to widespread famine and disease. Out of Yemen’s nearly 33 million people, roughly 22 million are in need of humanitarian aid, with millions facing hunger and malnutrition. According to the UNHCR, 73% (23.4 million) of Yemenis depend on humanitarian assistance just to survive, with 4.3 million currently being internally displaced.
Yet amid the devastation, the Christian community in Yemen has continued to exist, largely unnoticed by the outside world. Though small in number, the Church in Yemen plays a vital role, particularly through its contributions to relief and education.
Christianity in Yemen: A History of Survival
Christianity has deep historical roots in Yemen, dating back to the early centuries of the Church. However, the rise of Islam in the 7th century led to the gradual erosion of Christian communities across the Arabian Peninsula, including Yemen. By the time of the Islamic invasions, Christianity had all but vanished from the region. During British colonial rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries, churches were established, but most were closed following the country’s independence.
In recent decades, the rise of extremist Salafist Islam has further marginalised Christianity in Yemen. The outbreak of the civil war has only compounded the difficulties faced by Christians, forcing many to go underground. However, despite the challenges, there is still a significant community of Muslim-background believers in Yemen. Estimates suggest that there are between 2,000 and 4,000 Yemeni Christians, many of whom are converts from Islam. Due to the underground nature of the Church in Yemen, it is difficult to count accurately. However, what is known is that the Church in Yemen is growing despite the difficult circumstances.
This community, though small, has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of persecution. As one Muslim convert, Jamil, who is now a pastor, told Open Doors, “After foreign Christians were forced to leave at the start of the civil war, the local Christians were unsure how the Church would survive.” With the departure of foreign missionaries and church leaders, the responsibility for sustaining the faith fell entirely on the local believers. Jamil recalls, “Now the foreigners are mostly gone, we actually had to take the lead ourselves. At first, it seemed the house church movement would fall apart, but gradually, local Christians started taking responsibility and took up leadership positions. They may not have been highly trained, but they share the knowledge they have and support each other.”
The Struggles of Christians in Yemen
Christians across Yemen face dangers for their faith. Even in comparatively liberal areas, such as the larger cities, displaying a Christian symbol can have serious consequences. The fear of being discovered is constant, as conversion from Islam to Christianity is considered apostasy, a crime that can result in severe punishment, including death.
In the northern areas controlled by the Houthis, pressure is particularly intense on Christian converts. The Houthis have created a heavily policed environment where spying is used to gain favour with local authorities. As a result, Christians live in a climate of fear, where even a hint of religious deviation can result in arrest, harassment, or worse. The Houthis’ internal security forces operate an intelligence unit tasked with rooting out apostates, making life even more precarious for those who have chosen to follow Christ.
Meanwhile, in southern rural areas, Christians are at risk from al-Qaeda’s aggressive expansion. The extremist group has targeted Christians in the region, further heightening the dangers for believers. Despite these threats, the Christian community continues its quiet work in relief efforts, particularly in education and humanitarian aid, proving that Christianity in action remains a powerful form of outreach.
There are few established and remaining churches in Yemen. Despite the devastation caused by a decade of civil war, some churches continue to function in Yemen, providing essential services and maintaining a Christian presence in the country. One such church is Christ Church Aden, located in the southern city of Aden. Though many churches have closed due to war and persecution, Christ Church Aden remains a beacon of hope. Throughout the war, the Ras Morbat Eye Clinic, which operates under the auspices of the church, has continued to provide critical eye care services to the local Yemeni population.
The clinic, run by local Yemenis and overseen by Mansour, a steadfast leader, serves the community with pride. Even during the conflict, the clinic remained operational, a testament to the resilience and determination of those involved. Today, there are more eye clinics in Aden than before, but the church’s clinic maintains a loyal following due to its long-standing presence and dedication to the community. There are also hopeful signs that peace might return, and with it, the opportunity to expand and diversify the clinic’s services. The Ministry of Health is already using part of the premises for a children’s vaccination project, and further strategic planning could lead to even more outreach and healthcare opportunities for the local population.
In addition to the general hardships caused by the civil war, Yemeni Christians face unique forms of persecution. Tribal law in Yemen prohibits members from leaving their tribe, and converting from Islam is considered an unforgivable crime. The punishment for leaving Islam can be severe, ranging from banishment to death. Male and female converts who are married to Muslims face the possibility of divorce and often lose custody of their children as a result. This is one of the gravest risks for Christians who choose to publicly declare their faith.
The vulnerability of Yemeni Christians is further compounded by the fact that much of the emergency relief distributed throughout the country is controlled by Islamic organisations and local mosques. These groups reportedly discriminate against anyone who is not deemed a pious Muslim, often overlooking the needs of Christians and other minorities. As a result, Christians in Yemen not only suffer from the general humanitarian crisis—such as hunger and lack of healthcare but also face the added difficulty of exclusion from aid resources.
Christianity in Action: A Beacon of Hope
In a country devastated by war, where 22 million people are hungry and dependent on aid, the work of Christian believers, though done discreetly, provides hope in a land of despair. Many Yemeni Christians are involved in relief work, offering food, medical supplies, and education to their fellow citizens. This quiet but vital work exemplifies the Christian call to love one’s neighbour, even in the face of persecution. Seventy percent of believers in Yemen do not (or cannot) meet regularly, either for security reasons or because they do not know of other Christians. House churches are the only way to have Christian fellowship in Yemen.
Yemenis, regardless of their religious background, often see Christians as a source of hope, especially in areas where government services are lacking. Christianity’s emphasis on serving the needy and vulnerable is embodied in the daily actions of believers who work tirelessly to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those around them. Though they must keep a low profile for their safety, their faith is a shining light in the darkness of war-torn Yemen.
The Gospel message and the teachings of Jesus are revolutionary in a place like Yemen. Local Christians in Yemen remark how Christ’s call to love one’s enemies is a completely new concept in their culture. In a society where revenge and retribution are deeply ingrained, the radical nature of Jesus’ teaching to forgive rather than seek vengeance has had a profound impact. Many Yemenis, accustomed to the idea of “an eye for an eye,” find the message of peace and forgiveness from those who follow Christ to be a stark contrast to their cultural norms. This transformative message is one of the reasons many Yemeni converts are drawn to Christianity, despite the immense risks they face for embracing it. In a land torn apart by violence and hatred, the Gospel’s emphasis on peace, forgiveness, and love offers a powerful counter-narrative.
A Christian Perspective on Endurance and Perseverance
For Christians in Yemen, the ongoing conflict and persecution present a test of faith. Yet, the endurance of the Yemeni Church reflects the power of the Gospel to sustain believers through even the most difficult circumstances. In a land where traditional Christianity has struggled to gain a foothold due to decades of conflict, the house church movement has grown quietly, sustained by the courage and conviction of local believers.
As Jamil and others like him take up leadership roles in the absence of foreign missionaries, they exemplify the Biblical principle of endurance. The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 5:3-4 resonate deeply with their experience: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
The suffering of Yemeni Christians has indeed produced perseverance. In the face of war, hunger, and persecution, they have not only held on to their faith but also taken up the mantle of leadership in their communities. Though they may not have formal theological training, their witness is a powerful reminder that the Church is not defined by buildings but by the faith of those who follow Christ.
The Role of the Global Church
As Christians around the world mark the 10th anniversary of Yemen’s civil war, it is crucial to remember and pray for the believers in Yemen who continue to suffer in silence. The global Church can support the Yemeni Church through prayer, advocacy, and by providing resources to sustain their relief efforts. Though the conflict shows no signs of ending, the endurance of Yemeni Christians serves as a testament to the power of faith amid the storms of life.
The Church in Yemen may be small and scattered, but it is not defeated. As Jamil’s story illustrates, the local Christian community is learning to take responsibility for the survival and growth of the faith. In doing so, they bear witness to the enduring truth of Christ’s words in Matthew 16:18: “I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
On this solemn anniversary, let us stand with our brothers and sisters in Yemen, praying for peace, protection, and perseverance as they continue their courageous witness for Christ in one of the most difficult places on earth. May their example inspire us to live out our faith boldly, regardless of the challenges we face, knowing that God’s light shines brightest in the darkest of times.
Please join us in praying for the following:
- For a breakthrough in establishing peace in the country and protection amid the ongoing conflict.
- For strength and perseverance for Yemeni Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite the hardships and persecution they endure.
- For resources and support for the Yemeni Church as they provide relief to those around them and give hope.
Sources: Open Doors, Joshua Project, www.jmeca.org.uk/latest/news/new-hopes-aden
