*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
Eritrea (click here to view a satellite map)
Eritrea, East Africa
Population: 4,561,599
Christians: 47-48%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 14th
Political Leader: President Isaias Afewerki
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes, but hasn’t been implemented.
It was hoped when Eritrea achieved independence from Ethiopia in 1993, that it would be a beacon of good governance and freedom for all to the rest of Africa. However, President Afwerki has progressively implemented authoritarian policies, which have reduced and restricted freedom. All independent media outlets and newspapers have been banned. All denominations except Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Evangelical Lutheran have been banned since 2002. Over four hundred Christians are currently imprisoned in Eritrea. Over 200 Eritrean Christians have been captured and detained over the last couple of days.
Prayer Points
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Pray that God would cause President Afwerki to soften his repressive policies and allow all Christians to worship in freedom. |
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Pray that the Body of Christ in Eritrea would be of good courage, grow in wisdom, and seek the leading of the Holy Spirit during these times of persecution. |
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Pray for God’s protection, peace, and encouragement for all prisoners and their families. Pray that those in prison will be shining lights and lead many to Christ. Pray that many will be released soon. |
God our Father, we lift the nation of Eritrea before You today. We pray that You would soften the hearts of the ruling government to allow Christians to worship You in freedom. We ask that You would protect and provide for all those who are suffering persecution today, especially those in prison. May the light of Your grace shine from their lives in dark places. Please give Your Church great wisdom and courage to know how best to respond in the midst of persecution. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. |
