Pray for OMAN

Christianity in Oman is practiced primarily by the expatriate community, which constitutes the vast majority of the country’s estimated 187,000 to 196,000 Christians. While Islam is the official state religion and Sharia is the basis for legislation, the Omani government generally permits foreign Christians to worship in designated areas.

Key Characteristics of the Christian Community

Demographics: Most Christians are foreign workers from South and Southeast Asia (particularly India and the Philippines), as well as Western expats.
Denominations:
- Roman Catholicism: The largest group, with roughly 138,000 adherents (70% of Christians). Key sites include Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Muscat (built 1977) and St. Francis Parish Church in Salalah (opened 2019).
- Eastern Orthodoxy: Comprises about 24,000 members (12.5% of Christians). Construction of the first Orthodox church, Sts. Constantine and Helen, began in Muscat in 2019.
- Protestantism: Approximately 11,500 people (5.8% of Christians). Most fall under the umbrella of the Protestant Church of Oman (PCO), a partnership between the Reformed Church in America and the Anglican Church.
Locations: Worship centers are concentrated in major urban areas: Muscat (Ruwi and Ghala districts), Sohar, and Salalah.

Legal Status and Religious Freedom

Official Oversight: All religious groups must register with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA).
Restrictions:
- Proselytizing: Strictly forbidden by law. Sharing the Christian faith with Muslims can lead to deportation or imprisonment.
- Gatherings: Worship is legally restricted to government-approved church compounds. Private house gatherings for prayer or Bible study are officially prohibited and can be raided.
- Conversion: While not officially a crime, Omani citizens who convert from Islam face severe social, family, and legal pressure, including the risk of losing jobs, property, or child custody.
Interfaith Dialogue: The Al Amana Centre in Muscat is a prominent hub for promoting interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the region.