Following the country’s independence in 1993, the one-part state has continued to suffer from conflict and severe drought, making it one of Africa’s poorest countries.

The UN’s Refugee Agency, UNHCR, reported that more than a fifth of Eritrea’s six-million people have fled, where indefinite military service is compulsory for all men.

According to Human Rights Watch, thousands are being held in prison without trial for holding contrary views to the government.

Violence and exploitation is causing ‘massive fleeing abroad’ according to the bishops, as many seek asylum overseas.

They are urging for a ban on hate speech, in an effort to restore peace.

The bishops’ plan is proposing to ‘establish a national commission to campaign for truth and reconciliation’ and to remove factors of tension and promote conversation and compromise.

Their pastoral letter stated: “At a time like this, when the country goes through severe tests, it needs more than ever an intervention of God.”

They concluded that through this plan they hope to achieve: “the fulfilment of our dream of an Eritrea united, reconciled and founded on peace and justice”.

The two major religions of Eritrea are Christianity and Islam, with a roughly 50% split.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to…

The ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ prayer initiative takes place from May 30 – June 9 and asks believers to intentionally pray for five people to come to know Jesus between the days of Ascension and Pentecost; the period that signifies Jesus returning to heaven before the gift of the Holy Spirit is given at Pentecost.

The Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, who originally gave the invitation to pray to the Church of England in 2013, asked Pope Francis to share his encouragements to those taking part in the initiative that has spread across Christian traditions and grown into an international call to prayer.

Pope Francis said: “This is the cry of all Christians,on the Day of Pentecost. Come Holy Spirit – the promise of the Father; the promise of Jesus, that the Holy Spirit might enlarge and widen our hearts.

To you, my brothers and sisters, with my brother Justin Welby, we want to tell you that we walk along side you in this prayer – thy Kingdom come.” He added.

This ‘prayer for five’ seeks to see more people encounter the love of God and the power of His Holy Spirit as they ask God’s kingdom to come into the lives of many.

Reflecting on the power of prayer, Archbishop William Temple said: “When I pray, coincidences happen; when I don’t, they don’t!”

The global prayer movement hopes to encourages Christians around the world to pray with increased faith and expectation for more…

In a Facebook post liked by more than 130,000 people, Graham said: “Along with 250+ Christian leaders, I am asking followers of Christ across our nation to set aside next Sunday, 2nd June, as a special day of prayer for the President, Donald J Trump.

“President Trump’s enemies continue to try everything to destroy him, his family, and the presidency. In the history of our country, no president has been attacked as he has.

“I believe the only hope for him, and this nation, is God.

“Time is short. We need to pray for God to intervene. We need to ask God to protect, strengthen, encourage, and guide the President.”

Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, also asked his followers to indicate their commitment to pray.

He added: “Would you let me know in the comments below if you commit to pray with us?

Announcing Special Day of Prayer for the President – June 2 pic.twitter.com/IxtApdsjOI

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) May 26, 2019

“And will you share this on your social media platforms so that we can have as many people as possible praying?”

Many Facebook users pledged to answer the call to prayer.

Sandy Newsome commented: “Oh, yeah, I have always said, God has him where He wants him, for this time and for His purpose and plan I am definitely praying.”

However, others shared why they…

48-year-old Scott Farrell from Wouldham, near Rochester in Kent, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court yesterday (May 28).

He pleaded guilty to three counts of gross indecency with a boy under 16, two counts of voyeurism and one count of taking indecent images of a child.

An investigation was launched by Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit (CAISU) in November 2017 after they received allegations against Farrell.

It was alleged during his time as assistant organist for Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire between 1999 and 2001; he befriended some of the children under his supervision and, on occasions, invited them back to his flat.

At the time police were made aware of these allegations, Farrell was working as the director of music at Rochester Cathedral in Kent.

He was arrested and immediately suspended from his role while an investigation was carried out.

Detective Constable Claire Bamford, from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s CAISU, said: “This has been a lengthy investigation spanning several counties and involved tracking down a number of victims and witnesses.

“I would like to thank the victims for coming forward and showing great bravery in speaking out about the abuse they suffered at the hands of Farrell.

“Hopefully this result will provide them with some level of closure and they can begin to put this part of their lives…

Release on temporary license (ROTL) is a system which gives prisoners the opportunity to spend time in the community for short periods, normally towards the end of their sentence.

Rules on ROTL schemes are being relaxed, to allow more inmates to work and train while serving their sentences, with the hope of boosting their future job prospects and preparing offenders for life outside of prison.

The decision to ease the rules on day and overnight release is part of a government effort to reduce re-offending, which is estimated to cost society £15bn a year.

The Bishops’ Advisor for Prisons and Penal Affairs, Reverend Paul Cowley believes these work placements are vital for rehabilitation.

Speaking to Premier he said: “We took somebody released on temporary license from prison. Then from that job, they have gone on to other work and have never re-offended and now are situated back into society, a member of the church and are doing really well.

“So ROTL is an amazing opportunity to do exactly what we’re talking about.”

Under the new rules, those in open or women’s prisons will be able to take up paid jobs immediately, following a risk assessment, where previously only those with 12 months or less on their sentence where eligible to take part.

ROTL guidelines were initially tightened in 2013, following a review by former Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling after convicted…