Of the 186 known Christian fellowships, only a small minority are allowed to worship in their own buildings. The Turkish Association of Protestant Churches denounces that money has been offered to individuals who offer information about churches and pastors.

The religious freedom report of the Protestant Association of Churches in Turkey goes to the government, politicians and media.  Foreign embassies, EU, UN, Christian partners and human rights NGOs also receive copies.

The popularity of the powerful President is falling strongly. “None of the parties have mentioned religious freedom” in the campaign, says Turkish Protestant Pastor Ihsan Özbek.

Pastor Andrew Brunson was serving in a church in Izmir when he was detained almost one year ago. Turkish Protestants said the accusations are “absurd”.

Pastor Ihsan Özbek: “Fighting against prejudices is a tiring task”. Christians try to be peacemakers and assist refugees near the border with Syria and Irak.

Christian leaders received jihadist messages via email, Facebook and mobile phones. Association of Protestant Christians: “threats are not anything new” but became “systematic” in August.