Despite dangers, some Muslims in Lebanon embrace Christianity, bishop reports

February 12, 2014

A Lebanese bishop has discussed the difficulties that arise when Muslims convert to Christianity, in an interview with the Catholic News Agency.

The bishop—whose identity was not disclosed—said that Muslims who embrace Christianity usually find it necessary to live abroad “because it’s not possible to be converted and to stay here.” Others, who are unable to leave the country, move to Christian enclaves for security.

Since Muslims who accept another faith face great hostility—and Islam prescribes a penalty of death for apostates—the process of conversion is clandestine in Lebanon, where Muslims compose a majority of the population, and statistics about adult baptisms are not made public. Yet despite the difficulties and dangers, he said that he is aware of many Muslims who have become Catholics.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop details secrecy of Christian conversions in Lebanon (CNA)