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Ethiopia Facts
Score: 62 / 100
Region: Africa
Persecution Type: Islamic Oppression
Persecution Level: Very High
Population: 104,345,000
Christians: 61,956,000
Main Religion: Christianity
Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic
Leader: President Mulatu Teshome Wirtu
Profile of Persecution Methodology
Violence 62%
Church Life 63%
National Life 65%
Community Life 65%
Family Life 60%
Private Life 58%
Where Persecution Comes From
In Ethiopia , Christians are subject to persecution from multiple sources: the government, Islam, secularism and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC). Government regulations restrict the freedom of religion, while in some parts of the country, conservative Muslims pose challenges for believers, especially converts. Secularism, particularly government bans on religious broadcasting and religious activities within schools, restrict the freedoms of Christians to worship, teach and preach. Meanwhile, those who leave the EOC denomination face persecution from family members, communities and government officials that are members of the denomination.
How Christians are Suffering
While all Christians in Ethiopia face persecution, different denominations experience it in varying degrees. Protestants outside of traditional denominations experience the worst persecution at the hands of the government and the EOC denomination. Arrests and disappearances of believers are common in the country, and those who leave Islam or the EOC face harsh mistreatment, sometimes being denied access to community resources. In some cases, Christians are cut off from society completely.
Examples
In the WWL 2017 reporting period, there were more than 100 violent incidents against Christians recorded in Ethiopia.
In July 2017, a Muslim mob attacked a 27-year-old man in his home with machetes after first attacking and partly damaging a local church building in Hirna, a rural town. The mob was incited over evangelism taking place in the area.
Pray for Ethiopia
- The government fears that religious leaders could initiate a regime change, and as a result has severely restricted the activities of religious organizations. Pray for greater freedom for the Church in Ethiopia, and for God to reveal His truth to Ethiopian government officials.
- Pray for unity between believers. Sadly, many divisions between denominations exist. Pray for reform within all churches claiming Christ in Ethiopia.
- Persecution from family and community are common. In many cases, Christians are denied community resources and are discriminated against when looking for work. Pray that the Lord would provide for the persecuted church in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Photo Gallery
Stories from Ethiopia
December 13, 2017
Faces of Persecution: Children Like Wasihun Give Us Glimpses of Grace
In this series of articles focusing on the children of the persecuted church, we meet the Kemede family and Wasihun,…
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November 16, 2017
Ethiopia: Theology Course Equips Leaders to Teach the Word
In the face of persecution, Ethiopian evangelist Sube* continues to follow Jesus and even has a plan to help others…
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August 21, 2017
Rural Ethiopian Church Facing Restrictions to Worship
A mob attacked the Full Gospel Church in Tikil Dingaye, about 12 miles from the ancient Ethiopian city of Gondar…
