The tiny number of ethnic Somali Christians practise their faith in secret under extremely dangerous conditions. At least ten Christians, including four teachers, were killed for their faith in 2008 and several others kidnapped and raped. Fighting between Somali Islamic militias and Ethiopian forces reportedly led to increasing hostility towards Christians in some areas. Islam is the official religion; there is no legal provision for religious freedom. Conversion can be punishable by arrest, imprisonment and even death. Many believers struggle whether to remain secret or to openly declare themselves and share their faith. Several Christian aid groups operate in Somalia under significant risks, their workers have been threatened and killed, their convoys attacked and their equipment confiscated.