Christianity has ancient roots in Tunisia, with Roman-era Carthage becoming one of the most important centers of early Christianity in North Africa and producing major Christian figures such as Tertullian and St. Cyprian, but today, around 99% of the country’s population is Sunni Muslim and Christians make up only a tiny minority. Tunisian ex-Muslims who converted to Christianity have reported family rejection, social pressure, threats and harassment, leading many to conceal their faith and worship privately or in secret. Native Protestant Christians face particular difficulties. Protestant groups composed primarily of Tunisian converts have struggled to obtain official recognition, leaving

Christianity has ancient roots in Tunisia, with Roman-era Carthage becoming one of the most important centers of early Christianity in North Africa and producing major Christian figures such as Tertullian and St. Cyprian, but today, around 99% of the country’s population is Sunni Muslim and Christians make up only a tiny minority.

Tunisian ex-Muslims who converted to Christianity have reported family rejection, social pressure, threats and harassment, leading many to conceal their faith and worship privately or in secret.

Native Protestant Christians face particular difficulties. Protestant groups composed primarily of Tunisian converts have struggled to obtain official recognition, leaving congregations operating without formal legal status and some believers worshipping alone or gathering discreetly in homes.

Catholicism has formal recognition under Tunisia’s 1964 agreement with the Vatican, but the agreement restricts public religious activity: unauthorized construction of new Catholic churches is prohibited and recognized churches are not permitted to ring their bells.