'We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.' (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) 20 years ago, the Eritrean government effectively outlawed most of the Christian denominations in the country. Since that time thousands of people have been detained indefinitely without charge or trial, facing torture and death – simply for belonging to an ‘illegal’ religious group. Even permitted faith groups have suffered repression, as illustrated by the recent death of the legitimate leader of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, Patriarch Antonios, after 16 years in detention. Twenty years later, the repression continues. But while the Church in Eritrea may have been struck down, it has not been destroyed. In a world that expects speedy results, and where the news cycle quickly moves on, join us as we continue to stand with our Eritrean friends in annual prayer and protest: ‘Struck Down But Not Destroyed’ online event, 19 May, 7-8pm (UK) In 2003 we held a protest vigil marking the first anniversary of the closure of churches in Eritrea, and we have held one every year since. Join CSW, Church in Chains (Ireland), the Eritrean Orthodox Church in the UK, Human Rights Concern-Eritrea and Release Eritrea online to mark the 20th anniversary of the closure of most religious communities in the country. Date: Thursday 19 May Time: 7-8pm, GMT Location: Live on Zoom Eritrea needs your prayers and action more than ever. The Eritrean regime, which is deemed to have committed crimes against humanity since 1991, exported its repression to Tigray in Ethiopia in November 2020, where it has committed the most appalling violations against local people, destroyed two Eritrean refugee camps, and forced thousands of refugees to return to the horrors they’d fled. Many Eritrean soldiers died in the early part of this war, including young and barely trained conscripts who were forced to fight on the frontlines. This hasn’t deterred the regime from launching another mass round up and forcibly conscripting more citizens, including minors, to fight in Ethiopia, and possibly even further afield. 20 years is too long. Let’s continue to make our voices heard. CSW Events Team P.S. We’ll let you know how you can take action for the people of Eritrea nearer to the event, but for now sign up here. |
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