'Faceless ones' call for religious freedom in Eritrea
Eritreans wearing masks were among the 100 protestors who braved torrential rain to stage a prayer vigil outside the Eritrean Embassy in London. They were calling for religious freedom and an end to the torture of Christians for their faith.
Eight Christian groups came together to stage the vigil. They included 20 demonstrators who wore masks to show that they were standing with the faceless believers of Eritrea - who are regarded as enemies by their country.
The downpour failed to dampen their spirits - rather it strengthened their resolve: 'Why does the Eritrean government ignore us as we stand in the rain?' asked Release International CEO Andy Dipper. 'We stand together for Christians who suffer. We will not forget them, and God will not forget them either.'
Around 1500 Christians have been imprisoned for their faith by the single-party state, which keeps a tight rein on religion. Many believers are packed into steel shipping containers, roasting by day and freezing by night in the African desert. Others are kept in underground cells. At least 11 Christians have died in custody.
'It's about time the Eritrean government realised that Christians in their country pose no threat,' said Andy Dipper.
The organisations who stood together were Open Doors, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Release International, Evangelical Alliance, Church in Chains (Ireland), Human Rights Concern Eritrea, Release Eritrea, and The British Orthodox Church.
The Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church, Abba Seraphim, presented a letter on behalf of the organisations involved calling for full religious freedom and the release of prisoners of conscience in Eritrea.
Prayers were said for the government of Eritrea, and the vigil then continued at the nearby Ethiopian Church. 'Solidarity is very important,' said Selam Kidane from Release Eritrea. ‘Here we see the body of Christ coming together to pray for those who suffer, as we are called to do in Hebrews 13. We Eritreans are glad we have brothers and sisters in the UK who stand with us.'
Release
is providing practical support to refugees fleeing persecution, and is assisting the families of prisoners.