Eritrean authorities continued their crackdown on unregistered religious groups when 30 guests were arrested at a wedding ceremony in late June. These Christians were arrested in the capital city of Asmara, joining 15 others who were previously arrested in April and sent to a prison camp.
The government of Eritrea is known as one of the most oppressive in the world, notorious for its arbitrary arrests and detention of people – without a trial. Last year alone, between May and August, more than 330 Christians were arrested.
Since religious restrictions were instituted in 2002, only four religious groups are legally allowed by the government: Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Sunni Islam. Membership in any other group is strictly prohibited, and even members of these legally recognised groups are not necessarily immune from harassment.
Sources: Release Eritrea, Barnabas Fund
- Remember the hundreds of believers presently imprisoned in Eritrea; some of them already having endured many years of inhumane treatment in terrible conditions.
- Pray that these prisoners and their families will be provided with inner strength as they undergo such severe trials.
- Pray those in authority will come to respect the rights of all citizens, including the freedom to worship.
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We cry with the Psalmist; Let those who delight in my righteousness, shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Come to the aid of your servants and our fellow believers in Eritrea. Strengthen their faith and help them to endure during this season of seemingly never ending persecution. May they know and experience that you ‘delight in the welfare of your servants’. Have mercy on them Lord and give them patience and joy in the midst of their trials. Comfort their families and may they be clothed with your honour and righteousness as they look to the cross and the resurrection of Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.