*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
East Timor (click here to view a satellite map)
East Timor, Southeast Asia
Population: 1,040,880
Christians: 93% (Catholic 90%, Protestant 3%)
Dominant Religion: Christianity (Catholicism)
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
Political Leader: Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
During the drafting of the constitution, many members of the public expressed their desire to declare Roman Catholicism as the official religion of East Timor. Ultimately, the drafters provided for separation of church and state in the constitution. Although 98% of the population is Catholic, most citizens also retain some vestiges of animistic beliefs and practices, which they have come to regard as more cultural than religious.
According to Protestant leaders, individuals converting from Catholicism to Protestantism are often subject to harassment by family members and neighbors. In some cases, Protestant clergy and missionaries have been threatened or assaulted. In several instances, village leaders have refused to allow missionaries to evangelize in their villages. Most Protestant leaders report that Catholic church officials and government authorities have been helpful in resolving disputes and conflicts when they occur.
Prayer Points
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Pray for political stability after several decades of civil war. |
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Pray for the Timorese government to further national unity despite ancient ethnic and political divisions. |
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Pray that the Word of God would take deep root into the lives of both Catholic and Protestant Christians, and that many would become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. |
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Pray that those who know the LORD Jesus would be stirred to share the Good News. |
Heavenly Father, we pray that Your church in East Timor would grow in the grace and knowledge of the LORD Jesus. May Your people live out their faith in every arena of life and work, that You may be glorified in their nation. Amen. |
