*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
Chad (click here to view a satellite map)
Chad, Central Africa
Population: 9,826,419
Christians: 35%
Dominant Religion: Sufi Islam
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
Political Leader: President Lt. Gen. Idriss Deby
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
Chad is officially a secular state, and the constitution provides for religious freedom. However, at times the government limits this right for a number of religious groups in certain situations. Despite the secular nature of the state, a disproportionately large portion of senior government officials are Muslims. Some policies favor Islam in practice. For example, the government sponsors annual Hajj trips to Mecca for certain government officials. While the government treats most faiths or denominations equally, Islamic congregations appear to have an easier time obtaining official permission for their activities. Non-Islamic religious leaders also claim that Islamic officials and organizations receive greater tax exemptions and unofficial financial support from the government.
Although the different religious communities generally coexist without problems, there have been reports of occasional tension between Christians and Muslims in reaction to proselytizing by evangelical Christians. Various acts of vandalism have been carried out against churches in the past.
Prayer points:
 Pray for ongoing freedom of religion as the country is increasingly polarized between the politically dominant Muslim northerners and the increasingly marginalized Christian and ethnic religion southerners.
Pray for Bible translation and literacy projects, as many Christians are illiterate and unable to read God's Word for strength and encouragement.
Pray for discipleship and leadership training and for protection, boldness, and wisdom for evangelists who face threats and violence from some Muslims.
Father, we are exhorted to pray for those in authority and so we pray for the government of Chad, that it will be representative of the needs of all its people, and that its leaders will be impartial and honest. We also ask that Christian Believers who are unable to read will find ways to learn and memorize the Word of God and will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. May they bring the light of good works and of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into their communities. Amen.
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