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Hostility toward Christians in Nicaragua continues to intensify: those who speak out against President Ortega and his government are viewed as destabilising agents. Changes to the law in recent years mean that church leaders are labelled terrorists and coup-plotters. The situation has deteriorated significantly since 2018, when widespread protests broke out against the country’s dictatorial regime. Years later, retribution continues against those perceived to have opposed the regime – even those who merely provided shelter and medical assistance during the protests.
Christians have been among those to raise their voice, but it’s coming at an alarming cost. Christian leaders have been harassed and arrested, Christian properties seized, Christian schools, TV stations and charities closed, and churches monitored and intimidated. In light of these pressures, many Christians – particularly church leaders – have felt forced to flee the country. Many more have been expelled and expatriated. Others who remain have been subjected to immigration restrictions and find it increasingly difficult to move freely within the country.
Christians continue to have an influence in Nicaragua, and this is one of the reasons the government targets them – aiming not just to silence the church, but to undermine their credibility and prevent their message from spreading.
Given the government's totalitarian control over Nicaragua, persecution is present throughout the country and at all levels. Those who express opposition to the government's dictatorial measures are likely to face hostility, harassment, censorship, threats, detentions and physical violence.
"This year, they denied again the legal status of my church but, approved or not, we continue to preach the Word of God."
María*, a believer in Nicaragua
In the last year, political repression and social unrest have escalated. The economic situation is also worsening. The UN reports that the human rights situation in Nicaragua has seriously deteriorated, and President Ortega has been condemned internationally. Government repression has affected the lives and freedom of Christians in the country, and has hindered churches from carrying out their ministry. Hundreds of Christian organisations have lost their legal status due to arbitrary government decisions, making it much more difficult for the church in Nicaragua to continue its work supporting those most in need.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Nicaragua by providing Christian literature, discipleship training, emergency relief aid, legal advice and education for pastors who have not completed their studies.
Dear Father, we thank You for the courage and conviction of Christians in Nicaragua who are continuing to speak out against the injustices of President Ortega's government. Encourage and strengthen them to be a united prophetic voice, and may those who hear them encounter Christ. We pray for Christians who have been attacked or are discouraged by the violence around them. Pour out Your healing on them and their families. Help the church to stand firm as a light in the darkness. Thank You that no door is closed to the gospel, Amen.
