OC’s region of the Middle East encompasses the Arabic-speaking nations of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as Sudan, Turkey, Iran, Israel and Afghanistan. Unlike many other regions of the world, religion is the main defining characteristic of this region, namely the dominance of Islam. More than 90% of the population (439 million) is Muslim. Despite the dominance of Islam, strong and ancient communities of Christians exist throughout the region. While these churches based in the ancient Christian population of the Middle East function openly in most parts of the Middle East, churches made up of converts from Islam face continual challenges. In most countries, legal penalties for religious conversion make public declaration of faith nearly impossible. Even in relatively open nations like Lebanon, social and family pressures make open conversion difficult or impossible. Even with these difficulties, it is estimated that the “Hidden” Christian population in the region is growing and now numbers nearly 200,000.6
MIDDLE EAST PARTNER SCHOOL LIST (as of March 2010)
Overseas Council has other partner schools in the Middle East, but due to the sensitive nature of the region, we do not publicize them.
| Middle East - Regional Director Highlights |
Riad Kassis, Middle East/Central Europe RD, says many tend to focus on regions of the world where the Church is experiencing rapid growth. Although his region is not experiencing phenomenal growth, he notes the pressure of Muslim fundamentalism, freedom restrictions and the challenges of post-communist Europe as contributing factors. Riad is encouraged to see the region’s OC partner schools, the “little flock,” working in creative ways to meet the needs of the Church and society, such as providing theological education in flexible methods. |
