[Today's Prayer] Türkiye Controversy Over Deportation of Foreign Christians... Rejection of EU Resolution

ADF International (Alliance Defending Freedom), a human rights organization, has condemned Türkiye's rejection of a European Parliament resolution regarding the deportation of foreign Christians. Critics have labeled Türkiye’s policy an "attack on Christians" and urged authorities to respect due process and freedom of religion.

The European Parliament resolution focused on cases involving at least 300 foreign Christian pastors, missionaries, and their families who were deported or denied re-entry under administrative measures known as the N82 and G87 security codes.

Earlier this month, the European Parliament adopted the resolution by an overwhelming vote of 502 to 2. The following day, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement. EU lawmakers expressed concern, stating, "The resolution limits fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, under the pretext of national security."

In response, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that "claims regarding freedom of expression and religion are contrary to the facts" and that "such criticism could hinder efforts to improve relations between Türkiye and the European Union." They also emphasized that "no foreign body, including the European Parliament, has the authority to interfere in judicial proceedings within Türkiye."

According to the 2024 Human Rights Violations Report released by the Association of Protestant Churches in Türkiye, 132 individuals were arbitrarily assigned entry ban codes simply for their Christian faith. The report estimates the total number of victims to be 303.

The report also documented various incidents of violence, intimidation, and discrimination against Christians throughout Türkiye. One of the pastors affected by these measures is Carlos Madrigal, a Protestant leader from Spain. He had lived legally in Türkiye for over 30 years and led a church for 21 years. Madrigal’s residence permit was revoked in 2022 after authorities designated him a threat to national security.

Source: Christian Today

And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it. Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them. (Exodus 7:5-6)

Heavenly Father, we hear the news that the European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding the Turkish government’s deportation and re-entry bans of foreign Christians, citing violations of religious freedom and due process. Yet, the Turkish government has strongly rejected this, citing national security.

In reality, foreign Christians, including pastors, who have lived legally for years or even decades without any criminal record, are having their residence permits revoked simply for their faith, with 132 people being arbitrarily assigned entry ban codes.

May the powers of darkness that strategically block the evangelization of Türkiye be broken. Even amidst these difficulties, please protect the Turkish church and the global church so that the footsteps of missionaries sent to preach the Gospel will never cease.

Just as the Egyptians came to know that the Lord was the one leading them when Moses and Aaron obeyed God’s word to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, may the souls of Türkiye realize that God is the Master of their land and return to the Lord.

In this final age where the evangelization of all nations is being hindered more than ever, let the churches in Türkiye and the multi-ethnic churches within its borders unite with the spirituality of the Early Church. May they overcome persecution together and stand as a church that manifests the living God among all nations!