Originally written on 09-06-2005.

Around 90 people from across the globe gathered outside the Eritrean Embassy in London at a vigil to protest against religious persecution in Eritrea. The vigil that drew supporters from all walks of life including over 50 Eritreans, called for the release of all Eritrean Christian prisoners of conscience and the reinstatement of freedom of religious worship to Eritrean Pentecostals and evangelicals, who are facing acute persecution unlike any witnessed elsewhere in the world.

The protesters holding placards demanding freedom and justice, spent an hour and a half praying and worshiping together in a demonstration of the very acts that are banned in Eritrea. Pastors and religious leaders from Eritrea, England, Ireland, Wales and Korea offered words of prayer and messages of solidarity and comfort to the persecuted church of Eritrea.

The Eritrean Christians represented at the vigil were particularly touched by the support from a cross section of the Eritrean community including members of Eritrean civic and human rights organisations. Dr Berhane Asmelash – Director of Release-Eritrea said; ‘today the voiceless persecuted Eritrean Christians found a voice of many tongues for that I thank God, release Eritrea thanks all our supporters for their continued support and would specially like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Eritreans who risked everything to stand in solidarity with their persecuted compatriots’

The vigil was jointly sponsored by Release-Eritrea, Christian Solidarity World Wide and Christian Concern for Freedom of Conscience. A letter from each of these organisations was also delivered to the Embassy.