Religious freedom in Eritrea, Africa is one of the top concerns for worldwide missionaries. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a UK-based mission group, has called on Londoners to pray and fast on May 22nd in response to the continuing persecution of Eritrean Christians.

The Eritrea mission has been struggling due to the poor interfaith relationships between Christians and Muslims. Adding to this struggle is the continued intervention from the ruling political body of Eritrea, who fear extreme groups of both Christians and Muslims.

The activities of all but the Orthodox, Lutheran Evangelical and Roman Catholic churches have been banned in Eritrea, and according to a report by the CSW, Eritrean security forces have arrested hundreds of Christians, including young children, simply for having a Bible or attending Christian meetings. It was also stated that they raided dozens of Christian homes.

In the past two years, it has been reported that at least 375 Christians are in prison and at least 36 churches have been closed in the country.

The protest campaign is a last resort for Eritrean Christians to present themselves after several attempts to engage the government in dialogue about the persecutions fell on deaf ears.

Reverend Abraham Y Bula, Chair of the Eritrean Christian Fellowship in Europe (ECFE), commented, "Several times we have written to the President and also tried to address ambassadors and representatives of the government in our respective countries of residence; this has to date been to no avail. By contrast the purge against fellow Christians in Eritrea has been relentless and now we are forced to expose this to international organisations."

May 22nd, will be the second anniversary of the Eritrean government's banning of all but three denominations. On the eve of this anniversary, protestors are going to gather outside the Eritrean Embassy on White Lion Street, Islington in London, from 11am to 12:30pm.

CSW has raised this issue of mistreatment of Christians with the Foreign Office and the European Union as well as providing detailed briefings to other key advocates.

Tina Lambert, Advocacy Director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said, "The situation over the last year has become worse, not better, for Eritrean Christians. Despite repeated assurances from the government that there is no problem, hundreds of Christians remain behind bars simply for following their faith. It is our privilege to stand with Eritrean Christians as they campaign for religious freedom in their country."