ANKARA, Turkey — The government of Turkey appears to be singling out foreign Christians, forcing them to leave the country or banning their return.
A researcher with Middle East Concern said many of the Christians were leaders in Protestant churches and had lived in Turkey for years.
An estimated 51 Christians have been denied entry in the last 20 months, including Carlos Madrigal and Joy Anna Subasiguller. Madrigal had been in Turkey 19-plus years on a clergy visa. In November 2019, his passport was stamped with a designation banning his return.
Subasiguller is the U.S.-born wife of Turkish Pastor Lutfu Subasiguller. The family had lived in Turkey 10 years, but their recent visa application was denied. She believes her Christian work is the reason.
An estimated 35 Christian workers received similar bans in 2019, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
Turkey allows religious freedom and conversions but is overwhelmingly Muslim.
Turkey is No. 36 on Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List of places where it is most difficult to be a Christian.
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