UK denies entry to persecuted Christian speaker

After months of effort and planning by Release International to host a series of meetings across the UK about the persecution of Christians, the speaker from Eritrea has been denied a UK entry visa.

Helen Berhane was due to speak at various locations across the UK starting this Saturday but the Ertirean Christian who has endured series persecution for her faith has been denied the necessary entry visa by the UK authorities.

Helen has been able to visit a number of other European countries and in this context tour organisers Release International – a Christian organisation which supports the persecuted church – had no reason to believe that there would be a problem with the UK.

Andy Dipper the Chief Executive of Release International has said: "This is a huge disappointment after all the effort that has gone into planning her tour, both within Release and at the hosting churches."

However the meetings will go ahead as scheduled albeit that Helen will be appearing on video.

Mr. Dipper continued: "I am planning to travel to meet with Helen this week and arrange for her to speak to camera so that this recording can be shown at each location and prayers can be offered for our Christian family still in Eritrea. If you were planning to attend one of these events, please do come and give your support."

The organisers of the Scottish part of the tour have expressed disappointment regarding the situation in the context of Helen's continuing persecution and the fact that she is representing hundreds of others in Eritrea who are also suffering for their faith.

In response to a question to the Home Office a representative replied: "I have looked into this and I’m afraid, as I mentioned may be the case, we do not routinely comment on individual cases so are unable to provide you with any information.

Details of the Inverness meeting can be found on the original article about Helen's visit to Inverness

Christians Together, 05/11/2010