It is amazing a nation that is roughly divided between Christianity and Mohammedanism seems to have mostly Christians in it's prisons. Apparently Eritrea's mainline Christian denominations are as intolerant toward Pentecostals as the Mohammedans are intolerant. Ironically the mainline Churches and Mohammedans have one of those rare relationships of mutual tolerance; however there is zero tolerance of the Pentecostals.
Evidently the mainline Churches have a reputation to forcing recantations to rejoin of the recognized mainline Churches. Below is a carefully worded news release from Mission Network News:
1,918 religious prisoners held in Eritrea, facing torture and forced labor.
September 12, 2006
Eritrea (MNN) -- New statistics, recently smuggled out of the East African nation of Eritrea, indicate that at least 1,918 Eritrean citizens are in prison, some being subjected to torture and/or forced labor, because of their religious beliefs.
Christians make up 95 percent of these religious prisoners. The Wongel Mermera investigation center in Asmara is holding a total of 35 pastors, priests and church elders with the remaining 1,758 evangelical Protestants and Orthodox believers imprisoned in 14 other towns and cities.
According to Compass Direct News, compiled reports indicate as many as one quarter of those jailed have been held for two years or more. None of the religious prisoners have gone before a court to be charged or tried. Records from the London-based Release Eritrea organization shows that 29 of these prisoners were arrested in August in the cities of Asmara, Keren and Massawa.
Reports are circulating in Asmara that the government plans to shut down the Anglican Elementary School. Despite ongoing arrests and surveillance, local evangelicals said they were "continuing to meet for worship, prayer and Bible studies" in their homes.
Pray for encouragement and strength for these suffering Christians.
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