“Foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD, these I will bring to my holy mountain.”
Qatar is home to about 400,000 Christians, most of whom are foreign workers from India There are approximately 400,000 Christians living in Qatar, most of whom are foreign workers from India and the Philippines. Since more than 80% of Qatar’s population of 3 million are foreigners, the Christian community is composed almost entirely of non-Qatari nationals.
Although Qatar’s state religion is Wahhabi Islam, it is enforced less strictly than in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Any act considered blasphemy against Islam, religious conversion, or proselytizing is illegal. In particular, foreigners found evangelizing Christianity are often deported. Nevertheless, the Qatari government allows non-Muslim foreigners to worship through the Mesaimeer Religious Complex, located on the outskirts of Doha.
This complex serves as a worship space for six major Christian traditions: Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Anglican, Coptic, and Indian churches. However, external religious symbols like crosses or bell towers are prohibited. Even on signboards, the term “Religious Complex” is used instead of “church.”
The Roman Catholic Church holds 33 Masses every Saturday at the complex, while the Anglican Centre hosts 150 weekly worship services for about 85 denominations, including evangelical, Pentecostal, and non-denominational churches. However, due to limited capacity, some services face space-related difficulties.
The Qatari government takes special measures to prevent its citizens from being exposed to Christianity. Some church websites display a warning message: “This website contains Christian content. Please proceed with caution.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, unofficial church gatherings outside the complex were tolerated, but since then, they have been shut down and no permission has been granted to reopen them.
Very few Qatari nationals have converted to Christianity. Most who convert do so abroad and choose not to return to avoid persecution or attacks from family and community. In Qatar’s strongly tribal society, converts risk being cut off from their community or even facing threats to their lives.
The few known Qatari Christians living in the country keep their faith strictly secret and are said to avoid contact with foreign Christians. Qatari citizens are prohibited from attending worship at the Mesaimeer Religious Complex, and strict ID checks are enforced at the entrance. (Source: Church In Chains, Prayer 24, 365 Edited)
And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:6-7)
God, we entrust Qatar into Your hands—a nation where conversion from Islam and evangelism are illegal, and where persecution against Christians is severe. Protect the Christian community among foreign workers, who make up 80% of the population, and let their worship never cease even in difficult conditions. Guard the Qatari believers who have come to Christ. Keep them safe from attacks and threats, and help them stand firm in Your covenant without wavering in their faith. Lord, restore Qatar to be a house of prayer for all nations, so that the life of Jesus may flow from this land to the ends of the earth.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
