In the lead-up to August 22nd, the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we are joining the #Voices4Justice campaign. This global initiative calls on Eritrean authorities to release seven unjustly imprisoned church leaders and end egregious violations of religious freedom in the country.
Access the #Voices4Justice Release the 7 background information here.
Why This Matters
None of the seven Eritrean church leaders have been formally charged or brought before a court. They are being held without legal representation, and family visits are not allowed. Their imprisonment is emblematic of widespread religious persecution in Eritrea.
According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2024 Annual Report, religious persecution in Eritrea is systematic, severe, and unrelenting. Only four religious groups are legally recognized—Coptic Orthodox, Sunni Islam, Roman Catholic, and the Evangelical Church of Eritrea (Lutheran-affiliated). All others face bans, arrests, and suppression.
Even members of the approved churches are not safe. Followers of the late Patriarch Abune Antonios, Catholic clergy, and Orthodox monks have all faced arbitrary detention.
The Facts
- Eritrea remains a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious persecution, according to the U.S. Government.
- As of 2023, 500 Christians remain in detention—many held for decades without charges.
- Eritrea ranks 6th globally on the Open Doors World Watch List of most dangerous countries for Christians.
- Detainees suffer torture, sexual violence, and inhumane prison conditions.
How You Can Help
In response to this crisis, we urge you to:
- Pray for the imprisoned and persecuted in Eritrea.
- Share the #Voices4Justice campaign with your faith community and on social media.
- Contact your government representatives and Eritrean embassies to demand action.
- Organize or attend rallies to show solidarity and raise awareness.
Join us for a peaceful protest on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM in front of the Embassy of Eritrea. Stand with 21Wilberforce, Jubilee Campaign, and other Christian organizations in calling for justice.
Let’s unite our voices to shine a light on persecution and call for freedom for Eritrea’s prisoners of conscience.
Sign the letter addressed to the Embassy of Eritrea in DC calling for the release of the seven church leaders or copy the letter and mail your own.
Sign the letter addressed to the US Secretary of State calling for additional pressure on Eritrea to release the 7.
Raise the Church Leaders in prayer using this backgrounder.
Watch this brief video message about Eritrea by Rev. Elijah Brown, General Secretary & CEO of Baptist World Alliance.