How are Christians persecuted in Eritrea?
- Government authorities regularly conduct house raids, and have arrested hundreds of ‘unsanctioned’ Christians, particularly church leaders.
- Current estimates suggest around 1,000 Eritrean Christians are imprisoned, and they haven’t been charged with any crime.
- Extreme pressure and state-sanctioned violence are forcing some Christians to flee the country, in addition to the country’s conscription law that forces young Christians into indefinite military service without the right to conscientious objection.
- Converts face intense pressure from their families, including forced marriage and forced conversion.
Why are Christians persecuted in Eritrea?
- The government demands complete obedience. Eritrea is often called the ‘North Korea of Africa’ due to its extreme censorship, and Christians are among those who face heavy scrutiny, including monitoring of phone calls and internet use.
- Sadly, a significant amount of Christian persecution in Eritrea comes from other Christian denominations, particularly the Eritrean Orthodox Church (EOC).
- Converts to Evangelicalism and other non-traditional churches from the three denominations recognised by the government – EOC, Catholic and Lutheran – or from Islam face severe opposition both from the authorities and their families and communities.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Eritrea?
- All Christians in Eritrea face intense scrutiny from the authorities, risking arrest and indefinite detention, but converts from the EOC, Catholic and Lutheran Churches and converts from Islam face the worst persecution from family and community.
What has changed in Eritrea in the past year?
- Eritrea has fallen two places on the World Watch List, but the persecution score has not changed – it has fallen because of intensifying persecution in other countries.
- Little has changed in Eritrea. This year saw yet another mass arrest of Christians, and the increasing isolation of the nation means the situation for believers is likely to continue to be extremely hard and overlooked.
How can I help Christians in Eritrea?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Eritrea. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors works through local church partners in Eritrea to provide economic empowerment projects, discipleship training and persecution survival training.
please pray
Heavenly Father, we lift up these believers to You, asking for Your protection, strength and unity among all Christians in Eritrea. May Your love and grace sustain them through every trial, and may they remain steadfast in their faith. Amen.
