How are Christians persecuted in Ethiopia?
- Despite Ethiopia’s rich Christian heritage, persecution comes from both the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) and Islamic extremists. Christians from non-traditional denominations get the harshest treatment from local authorities and the EOC, while new believers and missionaries are hunted by extremists, forcing many to flee their homes.
- In some regions, Christians are attacked by Islamist mobs and often denied community resources, leading to social isolation.
- Converts from Islam, especially in the east and southeast, and those from Orthodox backgrounds face intense family and community pressure.
- Christian women and girls are dealing with a tough mix of religious persecution and gender violence. Bridal abduction, often leading to forced marriages with non-Christians, is still common.
- Sexual violence is also a big threat. Female converts face particularly harsh treatment, including forced marriages and isolation from their families.
- Men are more likely to suffer physical attacks and displacement, with civil unrest exacerbating these issues.
- Church leaders are particularly targeted, weakening their families and the broader Christian community.
“When we left our home, it was very difficult. Our possessions were destroyed, we lost everything.”
Desta*, a believer caught up in religious violence between Muslims and Christians
Why are Christians persecuted in Ethiopia?
- The Ethiopian Orthodox Church do not tolerate ‘non-traditional’ Christian denominations, and actively work to eradicate these churches.
- The political violence over the past three years, along with recent conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara and Oromia regions, have made things worse for Christians. Many churches have been attacked and destroyed, and even those seeking refuge in churches were not safe from violence.
- Government actions also contribute to persecution, especially in Muslim-dominated areas, where men face imprisonment and suffer interference in church affairs. Pastors and Christian leaders are often detained, and churches are closed, creating fear and confusion among Christians.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Ethiopia?
- The risk of persecution for Christians varies depending on the region and the dominant forces at play. In areas such as the Amhara region, Tigray and parts of Oromia, persecution from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) and the authorities runs high. Christians face significant threats in these areas for their decision to be part of non-traditional churches, outside the EOC.
- In parts of the country’s eastern and western regions, Islamist oppression is more prevalent.
“Because I came to the Open Doors trauma care seminar, countless things have changed in me.”
Desta*
What has changed in Ethiopia in the past year?
- Over the past year, Christian converts experienced an uptick in targeted violence, particularly in the conflict-ravaged Amhara and Oromia regions.
- Even though Ethiopia’s World Watch List rank decreased by one position this year, the situation deteriorated in several ways. Attacks against churches by armed groups intensified – impacting the security of churches and believers.
How can I help Christians in Ethiopia?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Ethiopia. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors works through the local church to strengthen Christians in Ethiopia with leadership, persecution survival training and economic empowerment projects.
*Name changed for security reasons
please pray
Heavenly Father, we lift Ethiopian believers to You. We ask for Your protection, strength and unity among all Christians in Ethiopia. May Your love and grace sustain them through every trial, and may they remain steadfast in their faith, Amen.
