Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: May 6, 2023
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)
As Christians we are encouraged that even death is not the end. Because of God’s abundant love and grace we have eternal life; yet there is still great sadness and grief when we experience loss.
Let us surround in prayer the family and loved ones of an Eritrean church leader, Pastor Tesfay Seyoum, who died in hospital on 9 April following a brain haemorrhage. Pastor Seyoum had been in prison unjustly for the past ten years, and was still a prisoner when he was hospitalised.
Moreover, even in death he continued to face discrimination because of his Evangelical beliefs.
The pastor was initially denied a burial place in his home neighbourhood in Asmara, meaning his grieving family were unable to bury him for 13 days. As well as adding to their distress, this goes against Eritrean cultural norms, whereby burials take place as soon as possible after death.
We are relieved that Pastor Seyoum was finally laid to rest on 22 April, but lament at the ongoing, flagrant violations of freedom of religion or belief in Eritrea.
A 21-year campaign of arrests
In May 2002, the government forced all churches not affiliated with the Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran or Orthodox Christian traditions to close. This included the church founded by Pastor Seyoum, Meserete Kristos Church.
The authorities also launched a campaign of arrests against members of unregistered denominations, which continues over two decades later.
Today, many Eritreans remain in prison indefinitely because of their beliefs, and even permitted denominations are affected by the repression.
In summary, please pray:
- For the unconditional release of all Eritrean prisoners of conscience, including seven Evangelical church leaders who have been detained for at least 18 years.
- That the Eritrean government will end its campaign of arrests and discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief and respect the rights of its citizens.
- That God will comfort the family and loved ones of Pastor Tesfay Seyoum, surrounding them with his love and grace.