In recent years, Türkiye’s policies toward Christian communities, especially foreign Christian workers, have taken on a troubling and alarming character. What began as individual cases of visa refusal or deportation has developed into what appears to be a systemic campaign. As Catholics with a commitment to religious freedom and solidarity with persecuted Christians, we must heed what is happening and call for justice and protection.
Expulsions via “Security Codes”
Since 2020, more than 200 foreign Christian workers and their families, affecting around 350 individuals, have been forcibly expelled or barred from re-entry to Türkiye. Many of these persons had lived in Türkiye for decades and had no record of criminal wrongdoing.
These expulsions have been facilitated under a system of opaque “security codes,” such as N-82 and G-87, which the Turkish Ministry of Interior uses to designate such individuals as national security threats.
Between December 2024 and January 2025 alone, at least 35 new prohibitive codes were reportedly assigned to foreign Christians—a surge that suggests intensification of the policy.
Because many of those targeted have served as pastors, missionaries, or theological teachers, these bans have had ripple effects across Protestant congregations in Türkiye: daily worship, pastoral care, and religious education have all suffered severe disruption.
A Case That Could Set Precedent: Wiest v. Türkiye
At the heart of the international legal challenge is the case Wiest v. Türkiye. Mr. Wiest, an American citizen who had legally resided in Türkiye for more than 30 years, was barred from re-entering the country without any evidence of misconduct.
This case is now before the European Court of Human Rights, and many observers regard it as a litmus test for the future of religious freedom not only in Europe but beyond.
In the words of Lidia Rieder of ADF International:
“Türkiye’s labeling of peaceful Christian residents as ‘security threats’ is a clear misuse of law and an attack on freedom of religion or belief.”
And also,
“When governments manipulate administrative or immigration systems to exclude people based solely on their faith, it undermines both the rule of law and the very principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence…”
Legal Inconsistencies and Institutional Barriers
Although Türkiye’s constitution nominally upholds freedom of religion and conscience, the lived reality for Christians tells a different story.
Among the obstacles Christians face:
- Theological education is heavily constrained. The historic Halki Seminary remains closed; Protestant seminaries are denied legal recognition.
- Bible education is prohibited, while Islamic theological instruction under state oversight is permitted.
- Church properties and worship buildings are under threat. Some congregations—such as in Bursa—have lost long-time places of meeting.
- Lack of transparency and due process. Individuals assigned security codes often are not given the reasons or evidence against them, making legal defense nearly impossible.
- Precedents from Turkey’s highest courts. In June 2024, Türkiye’s Constitutional Court upheld expulsions of foreign Christians under N-82 codes despite dissenting opinions from some judges.
These practices point to selective enforcement, targeting Christians disproportionately, which raises grave concerns about discrimination based on belief.
Why Catholics Should Care—and Act
As Catholics, we believe that religious freedom is not a privilege but a dignity due to every human soul. The Gospel message calls us to stand with our brothers and sisters who suffer, not just in distant lands but wherever human rights are under assault.
This situation in Türkiye matters for several reasons:
- Solidarity with persecuted Christians: Whether Protestant or Catholic, all Christians share a bond in Christ. When one community is targeted, we must not remain silent.
- Defense of universal human rights: Religious liberty is foundational to human dignity. If a state can expel people merely for their creed, all believers are weakened.
- Protection of the Church’s mission: The ability to evangelize, teach, worship, and form clergy depends on a free and open space for Christian life.
- International legal precedent: The outcome of Wiest v. Türkiye may influence jurisprudence in Europe and beyond, affecting future cases of religious persecution elsewhere.
Paths Forward: What the Global Catholic Community Can Do
- Raise awareness in dioceses and parishes. Include stories of persecuted Christians in Türkiye in homilies, parish bulletins, or prayer intentions.
- Engage Catholic human-rights organizations. Advocate that organizations such as Aid to the Church in Need, Open Doors, and Catholic advocacy offices monitor this crisis and support legal efforts.
- Encourage diplomatic pressure. Catholic faithful can urge their national governments and the Vatican to engage diplomatically with Türkiye to respect religious freedom guarantees.
- Support legal efforts. Even if indirectly, fundraising or moral support for legal challenges (such as those by ADF International, supporting over 30 cases) matters.
- Offer spiritual solidarity. Prayer, fasting, and public witness help sustain persecuted communities and remind the world that the Church does not forget her suffering members.
The developments in Türkiye are troubling not only for Protestant communities but for all who believe that faith should not be grounds for exclusion. As Catholics committed to justice and the protection of human dignity, we must be vigilant, vocal, and compassionate. The fate of Wiest v. Türkiye may become a landmark case for religious freedom—but the real stakes are the lives, worship, and witness of Christians in Türkiye today.
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