Protestantism in Turkmenistan

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According to 2020 estimates, Protestants make up 0.04% of the population of Turkmenistan, or about 3% of the Christian community of the country.[https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=227c&u=23r The ARDA website, retrieved 2023-08-08] Other reports suggest that there are 2,000 Protestants in the country,[https://progres.online/en/society/evolution-of-christianity-in-turkmenistan/#:~:text=Today%20there%20are%20more%20than,believers%20belonging%20to%20unregistered%20churches. Progress Law website, article dated May 16, 2023] worshiping in 8 churches.[https://www.vomcanada.com/turkmenistan.htm Voice of the Martyrs Canada website, retrieved 2023-08-08]

Freedom of religion is guaranteed by article 11 of the Constitution of Turkmenistan;[https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/Turkmenistan/ US State Dept 2022 report] however, there are restrictions on non-Sunni religious groups.

Protestant churches find it very difficult to register with the government;[https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2018/01/evangelical-churches-turkmenistan-want-official-registration/ World Watch Monitor website] this impacts their ability to run schools and import literature, among other benefits. Protestant leaders also note that clergy must go abroad to receive their religious education abroad or study via distance learning.