Prayer Diary: October 2020 - January 2021

Giulio Paletta/CSW

Your daily prayer guide

prayer diary October 2020–January 2021

Yoel SuĂĄrez, Cuban religious freedom defender

Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Luke 10:33 NLT 24

Welcome.

Your prayers are needed for Cuba.

Week 1: 11-17 October Since the 1959 revolution, many religious groups in Cuba have endured significant hostility from the government. Sadly we’ve seen the situation worsen in recent years, with people detained, arbitrary fines imposed and churches demolished. Yoel (Yoe) Suárez and Ricardo Fernández Izaguirre are human rights defenders who have experienced personal reprisals from the Cuban government because of their work. Both men continue speaking up for justice, despite the dangers.

We interviewed them both recently. Watch their interviews in full at youtube.com/cswuk

Sunday 11 October

Yoel Suárez

‘I have come up against the government many times, from threats, to imprisonment, to being prohibited from leaving the country.’ Pray that the Cuban government would allow Ricardo to continue his vital work without harassment.

Monday 12 October Benedict Rogers and Scot Bower (right)

I’m humbled and privileged to have been invited to lead CSW as CEO at this critical time. In a year which has seen vulnerable faith communities at even greater risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is nothing I would rather be doing than leading CSW’s gifted, talented and dedicated team to power a global movement calling for justice and freedom.

I still can’t believe I get to spend my weeks with such an incredible team, chasing after the heart of God and spending our lives calling the Kingdom of Heaven down to earth.

As I prepared to take on my new role I knew I couldn’t do it without spending time with God, preparing to lead an organisation that is so close to his heart. How better to do this than to spend a week running through the hills of Northumbria, and praying and thinking about our work? In the pocket of my little rucksack I had the names of each country we work on and the names of each 26 All images by CSW unless otherwise stated.

team member on slips of paper. For each of the 103 miles, I did a lucky dip and prayed for the person or country for the next mile.

As we approach the end of an unpredictable and eventful year, can I ask you to partner with me in praying for each member of CSW’s team? I have never worked with a team this gifted and dedicated, and I also know the burdens that come with this work, that weigh heavily at times. Knowing that we have an army of intercessors holding up our arms when we can’t, just as Aaron did for Moses, gives us a strength we wouldn’t have otherwise.

Thank you for all you do – it’s a privilege to partner with you in God’s movement for justice and freedom around the world.

Grace and peace Scot Bower CEO

‘We have seen an increase in the number of churches that have been demolished.’ Ask God to comfort all the churches which have lost their buildings, and to provide them with new places of worship.

Friday 16 October

‘Even though the new constitution included the right to freedom of religion, every time we come before the authorities, the authorities disregard these rights.’ Pray that the authorities at every level would respect the rights in the constitution.

‘There are [church] ministries which are primarily dedicated to distributing food to those in need, especially to the older generations that are in the high-risk group for COVID-19. These ministries have been restricted from distributing aid.’ Ask God to provide for everyone who relies on church ministries for food and other necessities.

Wednesday 14 October

Saturday 17 October

‘The Cuban government tries to silence the Christian community and all religious groups.’

Thank God for the courage of those who refuse to be silenced despite the intimidation.

Father of all, we struggle to imagine what daily life is like for those who wish to peacefully express their faith in Cuba. Our prayer is that these stories would move us to greater thankfulness for the freedoms we enjoy, and we ask you to protect and deliver Ricardo and Yoel from any repercussions they may face after sharing their stories.

Finally we ask that the international community would hear these stories and be inspired to take decisive action to bring justice and freedom to Cuba. In your holy name we pray, Amen.

Tuesday 13 October

Thursday 15 October ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) Pray this verse over the whole of Cuba today.

27

This week please pray for Religious freedom for all.

Week 2: 18–24 October A year ago, a landmark report was published.

Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, was asked by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to produce a review of the persecution of Christians worldwide and the FCO response. And while the review did condemn the widespread persecution of Christians, it also made an extremely important point: that we cannot confine ourselves to speaking up only for Christians.

Where Christians suffer, it’s very likely other religious minorities are also suffering, and in the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus made it clear that our calling is to seek justice for them too.

Sunday 18 October ‘Our understanding of the love of neighbour says we’ve got to love everybody indiscriminately.’ Thank God for the Bishop of Truro and his report on Christian persecution, which also emphasises the importance of speaking up for those of all faiths and none.

Monday 19 October Thank God that the UK government accepted the recommendations of the Truro report, and has already started to implement them.

Pray that the government will action all the recommendations.

28

Tuesday 20 October Next Tuesday, 27 October, marks the anniversary of the US signing the International Religious Freedom Act. Pray that across the world, countries will take action to advance the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief.

Wednesday 21 October Thank God for the team at the Foreign Office working on freedom of religion or belief they have been active in implementing the recommendations of the Bishop of Truro's report. Pray that their work will have a real impact for individuals on the ground.

Thursday 22 October ‘Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.’ (Luke 10:33 NLT) Pray that the story of the Samaritan, who went out of his way to care for someone with different beliefs, will inspire Christians around the world to do the same.

Friday 23 October Pray that our commitment, as Christians, to speak up for those of all faiths and no faith, will be an example of Christ-like radical love to those who witness it.

Saturday 24 October Lord of all, you rule over all of creation.

You have given everyone free will, but we still live in a fallen world where countless millions are not free to choose or change their beliefs. Your Kingdom is Now and Not Yet. We ask for the privilege of being in some small way a part of bringing your Kingdom on earth, by extending Christ-like love and compassion to everyone who is in need – no matter what their religion or belief.

In the name of your merciful, loving and compassionate son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Your prayers are needed for Pakistan.

Week 3: 25-31 October ‘Religious minorities in Pakistan face…atrocities on a regular basis.’ This is what Michelle Chaudhry, President of The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation, told CSW. ‘Unfortunately, the bigoted mindset, nurtured over decades, is very deeply rooted in our society.’

Freedom of religion or belief continues to be eroded in Pakistan. Religious intolerance is widespread, with reports of religious minorities being targeted with hate speech and false accusations of blasphemy, religious minority children facing discrimination in schools, and Hindu and Christian girls being abducted and forcibly converted and married. Find out more about Pakistan at csw.org.uk/pakistan

Sunday 25 October On 29 June a Christian man, Nadeem Joseph, died from his injuries after being shot several times by his new neighbour – just because the neighbour didn’t want to live next door to a Christian. Ask God to comfort and protect Mr Joseph’s family.

leader. Ahmadi Muslims are the most widely persecuted religious minority in Pakistan, facing comprehensive discrimination and persistent violence. Ask God to protect the Ahmadiyya community today.

Monday 26 October In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) launched a ‘Coronavirus Relief Program’ to distribute food to vulnerable families. Give thanks for organisations like the CICF, asking God to bless the work of their hands.

Tuesday 27 October Imran Masih, a Christian, told CSW that when he was at school, ‘No Muslim classmate wanted to be my friend.’ Pray for comfort and strength for religious minority children who face discrimination and intolerance at school on account of their religion or belief.

Wednesday 28 October Today marks the sixth anniversary of the violent murder of Christian couple Shehzad Masih and Shama Bibi, after they were falsely accused of blasphemy. Pray that justice would be served in their case, and that Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws would be repealed.

Thursday 29 October ‘Everybody knows that the state is hostile to us and that they can get away with murder… with anything.’ – Senior Ahmadi community

Friday 30 October Pray this verse over all those working to defend human rights in Pakistan: ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10).

Saturday 31 October Lord God, we lift the nation of Pakistan before you. Please protect all those working to make Pakistan a more tolerant and inclusive country. We thank you for their brave and important work. Amen.

29

Pray for China.

Week 4: 1-7 November Since President Xi Jinping removed presidential time limits in 2018, making himself leader for life, he has made it his mission to repress religious communities with a severity not seen since Mao. We are encouraged to see that the international community is speaking out, particularly against the repression of the Uyghurs, but we long to see action. Find out more about China at csw.org.uk/china • 8 November is Journalists’ Day in China.

Speaking out for justice in China can come at a high price. Pray for women and men who are bold to expose injustice and speak the truth to power.

• On Easter Sunday 2020, six leaders of Early Rain Church were taken from their homes after government officials learned they were joining a video call for an online service. Pray for strength and courage for this church, which has been heavily targeted.

• Pray for Eziza (see page 2), who has lost her husband and daughter to the re-education camps and state orphanages in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Pray for comfort for hundreds of thousands more families like hers going through the pain of separation, and for miraculous reunions.

Pray on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

• Thank God for the hundreds of CSW supporters who have written to their MPs, some more than once, about the Uyghur crisis.

We thank God that the UK government is speaking out and pray that it would use every available mechanism to address this injustice.

• In November 2019, leaked internal China Communist Party documents included the account of one county leader who was jailed after quietly releasing thousands of inmates from the camps. Thank God for those who are willing to stand for what’s right despite tremendous pressure, and pray that they too would be delivered.

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:8-9. Pray this verse over all who are suffering for their faith in China today.

Loving heavenly Father, however much our heart breaks when we read of those suffering, we know that you love them with an everlasting love. We pray that you would comfort the afflicted and convict those who are responsible for these injustices. Amen.

Illustration: Badiucao

Pray Get free prayer

resources at csw.org.uk/idop

Week 5: 8-14 November 2020 has been a year like no other, with so many aspects of daily life affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – not least our participation in church. With lockdowns happening across the globe, many of us will have faced restrictions on worship for the first time in our lives.

But it’s sobering to realise that many around the world have never enjoyed the same freedoms that until a few months ago we took so much for granted.

As we mark the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on 15 November, join us in praying this week for Christians around the world who are prevented from practising their faith – not only in part, for a short time, and for their own safety and wellbeing – but completely and indefinitely, in order to curtail their God-given freedoms. Theirs is the Real Lockdown.

Loving Lord Jesus, we pray for Christians around the world who are denied the freedom to worship you: denied the freedom to pray together, to sing hymns of adoration, to meditate on your life-giving Word.

30

We pray for members of your Church who continue to practise their faith despite fear: fear of violence, fear of the authorities, fear of arrest, fear of imprisonment, torture or worse.

We pray for members of our Church who love you no matter what: who sacrifice their jobs, their homes, their freedom, their lives to follow and serve you.

Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for all our suffering brothers and sisters today. That you would protect them this day. That you would fill them with your strength, hope and love this day. And that one day soon their Real Lockdown would come to an end, and they would be able to declare with boldness and conviction: ‘We have fought the good fight, and have kept the faith.’ Amen.

31

This week please pray for Vietnam.

Week 6: 15-21 November

Week 7: 22-28 November

‘Pray for my country soon to have freedom and democracy.’ These were the words of Nguyen Van Dai, a human rights defender we spoke with last year. International attention on human rights in Vietnam seems to have diminished, but we're still receiving reports of severe violations of freedom of religion or belief targeting every major religious community. These include harassment, intimidation, intrusive monitoring, arrest, imprisonment, torture and even extrajudicial killing. And that's not all – being a human rights defender makes you a particular target. In all this, we’re continually inspired by the courage of those like Nguyen Van Dai who speak up for human rights despite the dangers. Find out more about Vietnam at csw.org.uk/vietnam

In April we issued a statement on the coronavirus, in which we called on world leaders to ensure that the pandemic did not lead to vulnerable religious communities being further marginalised.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen this become a reality in almost all of the countries on which we work.

This week join us in praying for religious communities around the world which are now at even greater risk because of COVID-19. Find out more at csw.org.uk/coronavirus

Sunday 15 November Thank God for the commitment by Commissioner James Carr, of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, to advocate for the release of Pastor A Dao, who was arrested in 2016 while on his way to visit some members of his church.

Pray that Pastor A Dao would be released.

Nguyen Bac Truyen arrives at court.

REUTERS/Kham

In January 2020 imprisoned Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton’s son was detained at a border checkpoint after he returned to Vietnam. Ask God to protect and comfort the friends and family members of all those imprisoned.

Tuesday 17 November Pray this verse over all those detained or imprisoned in connection with their religion or belief, or with the peaceful defence of human rights: ‘He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free.’ (Psalm 146:7)

Wednesday 18 November Members of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice, are facing increasing pressure from authorities. In July a group of police officers broke up a gathering of Falun Gong practitioners who were studying in a private home in Ha Tinh province. Ask God to protect this vulnerable community.

Sunday 22 November

Food distribution in India

From Pakistan we have heard of instances where food aid has been denied to Christians and Hindus, while in Cuba churches which have tried to distribute basic necessities have faced government opposition. Pray that people of all faiths and none would be given fair access to food and basic provisions.

Monday 23 November We’re concerned about the unchecked spread of COVID-19 in Iranian prisons. Pray that the authorities would take decisive steps to control the spread.

Monday 16 November

32

Your prayers are needed for Communities affected by COVID-19.

Thursday 19 November Hoa Hao Buddhist and activist Nguyen Bac Truyen went on a hunger strike last year to protest the mistreatment of a fellow prisoner.

Give thanks for his bravery in standing up for the rights of others, despite holding different beliefs from them.

Friday 20 November The EU, UK and US are all currently pursuing a closer relationship with Vietnam. Pray that freedom of religion or belief would be at the top of the agenda in all negotiations.

Saturday 21 November Heavenly Father, we ask you to move powerfully for the people of Vietnam. Open the eyes of the international community to the violations taking place there, and convict them to take swift and effective action to hold the Vietnamese authorities to account.

Amen.

Tuesday 24 November We’ve been campaigning for Uyghurs, between one and three million of whom have been detained in ‘re-education’ camps in Xinjiang, China. Most are Muslim. We’ve also been raising awareness about refugees from Burma – the Christian Chin and Kachin ethnic groups, and the Rohingya Muslims – who have had to flee their homes. Pray that UK MPs would be moved to speak up for these groups who are now even more vulnerable because of the coronavirus.

Wednesday 25 November In India, Muslims have been blamed for transmitting the virus; in Pakistan, the Hazara Shi’a community has been scapegoated; while Cuban churches which have provided food to those in need have been accused of spreading the virus. Pray for an end to the scapegoating and targeting of religious communities.

Thursday 26 November Thank God today for all the religious communities around the world which have assisted those in need during the pandemic, despite knowing the risks.

Friday 27 November ‘I will heal my people and let them enjoy abundant peace and security.’ (Jeremiah 33:6) Pray this verse of hope over faith communities throughout the world which have become even more vulnerable due to COVID-19.

Saturday 28 November Heavenly Father, we ask you to watch over all marginalised religious groups which have become even more vulnerable because of the pandemic. Grant them protection from the virus itself, and from those who mean them harm. May they be filled with hope and trust that one day they will be able to practise their faith in freedom and safety. Amen.

33

Your prayers are needed for India.

Week 8: 29 November-5 December

Week 9: 6-12 December

This year has been incredibly difficult for the Christian and Muslim communities in India – the violence against them has been relentless. After the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the nation, Hindu nationalist groups took advantage of lockdown to attack Christians and other minorities unhindered. Find out more about India at csw.org.uk/india

Freedom of religion or belief in Mexico is a complex picture. Religious leaders are often seen as lucrative targets by criminal groups involved in illegal activities, such as money laundering and human trafficking. Violations also occur in some indigenous communities, where everyone is expected to follow the majority religion. Historically these conflicts have tended to arise between syncretistic Roman Catholic local leaders, and non-Roman Catholics. Failure to follow certain beliefs or practices can lead to various kinds of pressure, and eventually to being forced out of a community. Find out more about Mexico at csw.org.uk/mexico

Sunday 29 November In May, three Christian families were attacked in their homes by Hindu nationalists while they slept. At least four people were taken to hospital with serious injuries, and the families have taken refuge in another village. Pray for emotional, spiritual and physical healing for them.

Monday 30 November The families you prayed for yesterday come from Kokkar Pal Panchayat in Chhattisgarh state, which we are informed has a strong antiChristian movement. If the families were to return to their village, there is a high likelihood they would be killed. Pray that the antiChristian movement would be dismantled.

Tuesday 1 December In July a 75-year-old woman and her two granddaughters (ages 22 and 25) were victims of a violent attack. They were among eight Christian families attacked by a mob, after their homes were damaged and their church set on fire in March. Pray for them as they recover from the ordeal.

Wednesday 2 December Mr Thomas Zechariah, of the Synod of Pentecostal Churches, told us, ‘In...Tamil Nadu nearly 85% of churches are not given permission to construct churches because of pressures from state political parties, which are closely linked with the central government. Churches face resistance when they wish to build or renovate places of worship, even when it is on their own land.’

Pray for these churches.

34

Your prayers are needed for Mexico.

Thursday 3 December Pray for the family of Kande Mudu, a 27-yearold Christian man who was murdered in June because of his faith. On hearing his attackers at Victim of attack in Odisha the front door he told his wife that he might be killed, but asked her to remain strong and to never abandon her faith even if they killed him. Pray for the family as they mourn the loss of husband and father, and attempt to rebuild their lives.

Angelina

• In July 2020, Mexico’s National Supreme Court of Justice ruled that a group of Jehovah’s Witnesses who were expelled from their homes on account of their religious beliefs should be allowed to return. Thank God for this ruling, which sets an important precedent. Pray also that these families would be able to reintegrate safely.

• Pray for the families of Pastor Aarón Méndez Ruiz and Alfredo Castillo de Luna. The two men were disappeared in August 2019, after standing up to an organised criminal group that attempted to kidnap Cuban asylum seekers from the shelter where they worked.

Friday 4 December Each tragic case we work on can weigh heavily on the hearts of our advocacy team and local partners. Pray for wisdom, insight and strength for our South Asia Team, and give thanks for our local partners who speak out against injustice despite the risks.

• Pray for Impulso18, which is part of CSW Global, and which raises awareness in Mexico and the wider region on issues concerning freedom of religion or belief.

Pray for grace and favour on this work.

Saturday 5 December Lord Almighty, we trust in the knowledge that you are sovereign over all earthly rulers and principalities. We stand on the truth that you are sovereign over your Church in India, and we pray that you would thwart the plans of all those who seek to cause harm to your children in that nation. May you flood the nation with peace, justice and love. Amen.

• Angelina’s water and sewerage services were cut off in January 2019 in an attempt to force her to renounce her Protestant Christian beliefs. Angelina and her family must pay an illegal fine in order to access water. Pray that CSW’s advocacy for families like hers would result in a breakthrough for them.

‘God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.’ Pray Ecclesiastes 3:17 over Mexico today.

Thank you Father for those like Angelina and Pastor Ruiz, who are willing to stand in the face of injustice. We pray that they would know your nearness and encouragement and that your justice would come very soon.

Amen.

• The right to education of children from religious minority backgrounds is often violated. Pray that these children would not be denied access to school on account of their faith or the faith of their parents, but would be treated equally.

34

35

35

Pray for Nigeria.

Your prayers are needed for North Korea.

Rev Yunusa Nmadu

want to acknowledge what is happening in the country. But that doesn’t change the fact of what is happening on the ground.’ Pray that the Nigerian government would take decisive steps to end the violence.

Tuesday 15 December

Week 10: 13-19 December

Wednesday 16 December

‘In the last ten years, the situation for Christians has worsened: it has changed from subtle types of persecution to the destruction of lives and properties, and now terrorist groups are trying to wipe out an entire faith community. And the perpetrators have become more emboldened...There have been attacks during the lockdown: people were locked in and then the perpetrators come and they attack, without being challenged by anyone. You want to obey the government orders but then they are not stopping those who are perpetrating attacks.’ Rev Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of CSW’s Nigeria office, speaking at our Breakthrough Prayer event in September. Find out more about Nigeria at csw.org.uk/nigeria

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. Isaiah 40:11

Sunday 13 December

Rev Yunusa shared his hope that, ‘now the international community is beginning to turn its focus to the killings in Nigeria, they would put pressure on our government, speak out more and take action.’ Pray that this hope would become reality.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91:5 According to Rev Yunusa, ‘the Fulani militia mostly come in the night while the community is sleeping and kill anyone in sight, burn their houses, loot their possessions and even steal their land.’ Pray the verse above over Christian communities across northern and central Nigeria at risk of attack.

Monday 14 December But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24 At our Breakthrough Prayer event, Rev Yunusa told us, ‘The Nigerian government doesn't 36

Pray that the police and army would be resourced and given the authority to combat the threat posed by terrorists and other armed groups.

Over two million Nigerians are displaced by conflict and violence. Since January over 50,000 people have been forced to find refuge in southern Kaduna’s informal Internally Displaced Persons’ camps, or with families far from their homes. Pray the verse above over each of them today.

Thursday 17 December Give thanks for the churches and organisations, including CSW’s Nigeria office, which are supporting displaced people at a time when their own resources have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friday 18 December

Saturday 19 December Lord, we ask for your healing upon the nation of Nigeria and an outpouring of heavenly justice for all those whose lives have been devastated by violence. Arise Lord, and come quickly to save your children from suffering and sorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Week 11: 20-26 December North Korea is the most isolated, secretive and repressed nation on earth. Although what we know about the country is very limited, one thing we are certain of is that freedom of religion or belief is non-existent. Anybody who expresses opinions or beliefs which differ from the regime’s ideology faces severe punishment. Over 200,000 people are estimated to be detained in prison camps, where they endure dire living conditions and horrific torture. Many are Christians. Find out more about North Korea at csw.org.uk/northkorea

Sunday 20 December Today is Constitution Day. The current constitution was adopted in 1972 and established the country’s first leader, Kim Il-sung, as President, paving the way for the totalitarian ruling dynasty. Pray today for the current leader, Kim Jong-un – that his heart would be completely transformed and he would grant his citizens the freedoms they deserve.

Monday 21 December In recent years US President Trump and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in have each met Kim Jong-un. Yet, on these very rare occasions, human rights have been sidelined or altogether ignored. Pray that those in power would use their positions to address the country’s human rights record.

Tuesday 22 December In 2014 a UN Commission of Inquiry found the government had committed crimes against humanity, and that ‘the gravity, scale and nature of these violations reveal a State that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world’. Six years on, very little action has been taken. Pray that the report’s findings would be considered again, and that world leaders would hold perpetrators to account.

Wednesday 23 December The inquiry found ‘an almost complete denial of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion’, and that Christianity was considered a particularly serious threat to the regime. Ask God to grant strength and hope to all Christians harassed, detained or tortured for their faith.

Thursday 24 December Some aspects of daily life have changed over the past decade. Many people now have a greater awareness of the outside world, as flows of information into the country have increased. However, there has been no improvement whatsoever in freedom of religion or belief or other human rights. Pray that citizens would have their fundamental freedoms restored and be able to practise a religion or belief of their choice without fear.

Friday 25 December ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:5) As this year draws to a close, pray that 2021 will see Christ’s transformative light overcoming the darkness of the North Korean regime.

Saturday 26 December Heavenly Father, we may never know the full extent of the suffering that North Koreans endure at the hands of their leaders. We ask you to pour out your mercy on this nation today and bring deliverance. As your Son taught us, we pray: your will be done. Amen.

37

This week please pray for Egypt.

This week please pray for Eritrea.

Week 12: 27 December-2 January

Week 13: 3-9 January

In recent years, we have seen several positive steps taken by the Egyptian government to advance freedom of religion or belief in the country. We have welcomed the legalisation of many churches and places of worship, the issuing of permits to build and renovate new churches, and increased efforts to crack down on hate speech and incitement. At the same time, we have raised concerns about the ongoing restrictions on free speech and targeting of human rights defenders. In some parts of the country, the issue of church construction continues to cause tension. Find out more about Egypt at csw.org.uk/egypt

Despite becoming a member of the UN Human Rights Council last year, Eritrea’s own human rights record has in no way improved and the right to freedom of religion or belief continues to be systematically violated. In May 2002, the country effectively outlawed all religious practices except those associated with the stateapproved practices: Catholicism, Evangelical Lutheranism, Orthodox Christianity and Sunni Islam. Other religious groups must register before practising their faith, but the registration process is indefinite and inconclusive. Moreover, state-sanctioned religious groups also face repression. Thousands of people flee the country every month to escape the grave human rights situation. Find out more about Eritrea at csw.org.uk/eritrea

Sunday 27 December

Thursday 31 December

As you prepare to worship with your church today, give thanks for those churches which have been legalised in recent years and granted the permissions they need to build or renovate their buildings.

Pray Psalm 27:23-24 over Rami Kamil today: ‘The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.’

Monday 28 December In parts of Upper Egypt, church repairs and construction continue to be a source of tension.

Even when Christians have received permission to renovate or build new churches, local Muslims have blocked their attempts to do so.

Pray today for church communities that have been the victims of related violence.

Tuesday 29 December In May local authorities demolished a church building and mosque in Koum Al-Farag, Al-Behera governorate, following sectarian protests. A few years ago local Muslims had constructed a mosque next to the church, hoping to prevent it from being legalised.

Renovations sparked sectarian tension, and to prevent further escalation, local authorities demolished both buildings. Pray for an end to tensions resulting from church legalisation.

Friday 1 January As Coptic Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas on 7 January, we pray the priestly blessing from Numbers 6 over them: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.’

Saturday 2 January Heavenly Father, we give thanks that you are at work in the nation of Egypt to bring about justice and equality for all Egyptians, regardless of their religious beliefs. Give courage to all those who speak for truth, justice and freedom, and face consequences for doing so. Strengthen your Church in Egypt to continue to stand strong in faith, serving you and their neighbours for the sake of your name.

Amen.

Wednesday 30 December Rami Kamil is a Coptic human rights activist who was arrested and detained on unfounded terrorism charges in November 2019. His detention was extended multiple times during 2020, and there were serious concerns for Mr Kamil’s health amidst worries about the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt’s prisons.

38

Sunday 3 January Thousands of Eritreans are held without charge or trial on account of their faith. Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims and others are confined in highly dangerous conditions, and many experience torture. In 2019 alone over 200 individuals were imprisoned on account of their faith. Pray today for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience.

Monday 4 January In July, the UN Human Rights Council voted to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea. Thank God for the successful interventions by CSW’s advocacy staff, who had to lobby remotely due to the COVID-19 lockdown, and for the countries which supported this decision and made this possible. Pray also for the new Special Rapporteur to settle in speedily and compile an effective report for the Council session in March.

Tuesday 5 January

Rami Kamil

Those known to have been detained for over a decade include many church leaders – Dr Futsum Gebrenegus, Dr Tekleab Menghisteab, Dr Kuflu Gebremeskel, Reverend Kidane Weldou, Reverend Haile Naizge, Reverend Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis, Reverend Million Gebreselassie –

and church member Twen Theodros. Pray that God would sustain each of these individuals and fill them with renewed hope.

Wednesday 6 January Today marks 14 years since Patriarch Antonios was illegally removed from office. The 93-yearold, who is the legitimate patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, has been under house arrest since January 2007. He is severely diabetic and suffers from high blood pressure, which is worsened by the lack of medical care.

Pray that God would strengthen him physically and spiritually.

Thursday 7 January ‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.’

(Hebrews 10:23) Pray this verse over all Christians currently denied freedom in Eritrea.

Friday 8 January In 1994 the government stripped Jehovah’s Witnesses of their citizenship rights, after they requested to be exempt from military service on religious grounds. Pray that the group’s rights would be restored to them, and for Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who have been imprisoned for over 25 years for conscientiously objecting to active national service.

Saturday 9 January Loving heavenly Father, we lift to you all those denied freedom in Eritrea because of the faith they profess. We ask you to transform the hearts of Eritrea’s leaders, to bring about true and lasting change in the nation, and the restoration of human dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Amen.

39

Our manifesto #13

We believe in the power of prayer to bring change.

CSW is a human rights organisation advocating for freedom of religion or belief. As Christians we stand with everyone facing injustice because of their religion or belief.

T +44 (0)20 8329 0010 @CSW_UK /CSWUK csw.org.uk Registered Charity No. 281836

PO Box 99 New Malden Surrey, KT3 3YF United Kingdom