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In Ethiopia, Christian communities are facing serious religious freedom issues. Non-traditional Christians get the harshest treatment from local authorities and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC). Converts from Islam, especially in the east and southeast,
and those from Orthodox backgrounds face intense family and community pressure. In other regions, Christians are attacked by Islamist mobs and often denied community resources, leading to social isolation.
The political violence over the past three years, along with recent conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara and Oromia regions, have made things worse for Christians. Many churches have been attacked and destroyed, and even those seeking refuge in churches
were not safe from violence.
In Ethiopia, the risk of persecution for Christians varies depending on the region and the dominant forces at play. In areas such as the Amhara region, Tigray and parts of Oromia, persecution from the EOC and the authorities runs high. Christians face significant threats in these areas for their decision to be part of non-traditional churches, outside the EOC. These regions are hotspots where violations are particularly severe. In parts of the country's eastern and western regions, Islamist oppression is more prevalent. The geographical distribution of these violations highlights the complex and varied nature of persecution across the country.
"Because I came [to the Open Doors trauma care seminar], countless things have changed in me. ...Jesus was also hated, and He was also cast out. So what I have learned is to befriend these people. We need to know they won’t love us, but we need to live for them."
Desta*
Even though Ethiopia's rank decreased by one position this year, the situation deteriorated in several ways. Attacks against churches by armed groups intensified – impacting the security of churches and believers. Over the past year, Christian converts experienced an uptick in targeted violence, particularly in the conflict-ravaged Amhara and Oromia regions.
Open Doors works through the local church to strengthen Christians in Ethiopia with leadership, persecution survival training and economic empowerment projects.
Heavenly Father, we lift Ethiopian believers to You. We ask for Your protection, strength and unity among all Christians in Ethiopia. May Your love and grace sustain them through every trial, and may they remain steadfast in their faith, Amen.
