32 Ethiopia

Persecution Type
  • Islamic oppression (Strong)
  • Christian denominational protectionism (Strong)
  • Dictatorial paranoia (Medium)
  • Clan oppression (Medium)
Christian population

74,679,000

Government

Federal Parliamentary Republic

Main Religion

Christianity

Leader

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali

What does persecution look like in Ethiopia?

The level of freedom Christians have in Ethiopia depends on where you live and what kind of Christian you are. The country is one of the world’s oldest majority-Christian countries, but most of these believers belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC), which can itself persecute Christians who leave the EOC for evangelicalism or other Protestant denominations. Families and communities who are part of the EOC may also pressure (or mistreat) a Christian who has chosen a non-traditional Christian expression. Because the EOC has many supporters in the government, converts also risk pressure from state officials, especially in Regional State and lower-level government workers outside of larger cities.

However, the most overt forms of persecution happen in areas dominated by Islam. In these regions, converts to Christianity can face social ostracism and church attacks by Islamic militants. Families and communities may pressure converts and use violence against them to recant and return to Islam. 

Finally, the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia has shown how vulnerable Christians truly are. Though the infamous fighting in Oromia and Amhara seems to lack a religious dimension, yet, Christians are killed in some circumstances.

What changed this year?

Not much has changed in Ethiopia this year, as believers continue to face high levels of pressure for their faith and in certain regions, some levels of violence. Though the conflict in Tigray was supposed to end in late 2022, a September 2023 UN report suggests that atrocities there are still ongoing. This is alarming, as it indicates believers may still be forced to fight in the bloody war. 

How can I pray?

  • Pray especially for evangelical converts from Islam and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. They can be pressured by family and community. 
  • Ask God to protect converts who may face threats and pressure for following Jesus.
  • Pray that God would protect Open Doors’ work with local churches in Ethiopia.

More Christians need help than ever before.

As we close out 2023, the number of persecuted Christians is higher than ever. With greater persecution comes greater need. Your year-end gift will help – including providing more Bibles, more discipleship, and more relief aid.

Our year-end goal is $500,000 to help our persecuted family. Will you prayerfully give a gift today?

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