Ethiopia

Key Facts:

Leader:
Meles Zenawi
Population:
83 million (58.5% Christian)
Majority Religion:
Christianity
Type of Government:
Federal Republic

Although the constitution provides for freedom of religion, the government controls this freedom. Many evangelical churches are monitored. In some areas the Church has considerable freedom. Evangelical Christians experience opposition from local authorities, radical Muslims and sometimes Orthodox Christians. Muslim-background believers are often fiercely persecuted by their family members. Not only are they ostracised from the community, but they also face threats and attacks.

Prayer

• Pray for protection for two believers who were kidnapped and beaten in September 2007. Their church was also looted in the attack.
• Some church leaders have been jailed for distributing Christian leaflets. Pray that they would have boldness to continue sharing their faith.
• Pray for unity among the churches.