Asmara, Eritrea, Nov 15, 2007 / 09:54 am
The expulsion of 14 Catholic missionaries from Eritrea two days ago is part of a plan of the Maoist dictatorship of President Isaias Afewerkito to destroy the Catholic Church in Eritrea, reports CISA.
Sources say that the missionaries were given two weeks to leave the country, beginning November 6. The plan to expel foreigners from the country has been in the making for quite some time, with some missionary institutes saying they received notification from the government two years ago to prepare local personnel to be deported.
Eritrea has one of the worst religious freedom records in the world. While the government recognizes four religions, (Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, and Muslim) members of unrecognized churches are often detained and tortured. Many hundreds of religious detainees continue to be held without due process in harsh conditions that include extreme temperature fluctuations with limited or no access to family.
The government has severely restricted the freedom of unregistered groups, but also infringes upon the independence of some registered churches. The government harasses, detains, and arrests members of independent evangelical groups, and seeks greater control over the approved religious groups.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA