#6 in Christian persecution, Eritrea

[LoricaLady]

Eritrea’s persecution landscape is complex. On the church front, the government recognizes only the Eritrean Orthodox Church (EOC), Catholic and Lutheran churches, and Islam. Converts from Islam or Orthodoxy to Protestantism risk severe mistreatment from their families and communities. Non-traditional churches face the harshest violations from both the government and the EOC. For many years, government security forces have conducted house-to-house raids, arresting hundreds of Christians.
In Eritrea, daily life is heavily monitored, with phone calls and internet usage under constant scrutiny. Eritrea is often called the “North Korea of Africa” due to extreme state control.
Christians, especially those not recognised by the state, suffer the most. Extreme pressure, state-sanctioned violence and conscription are forcing some Christians to flee the country. Conscription presses young Christians into indefinite military service without the right to conscientious objection.

Meet Paulos​

“We live in fear of who will be arrested next. Will it be another brother in Christ? Will it be me? But we must continue to walk with God.”
Paulos (not his real name), a believer in Eritrea.

What does Open Doors do to help?​

Open Doors works through local church partners in Eritrea to provide economic empowerment projects, discipleship and persecution survival training.

Please pray​

• Pray for the release of imprisoned believers and others like them and provision for their families.
• Pray for protection and guidance for those believers who are forced into military.
• Pray that imprisoned believers will not lose hope in one of the world’s most notorious prison networks.