persecution
From Ethiopia to Mozambique, attacks put African Christians on alert
By Lyndsey Koh at Mission Network News
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
East Africa (MNN) – For centuries, Christianity has shaped life in both Mozambique and Ethiopia. But recent violence has church leaders and believers concerned about growing instability. (Photo courtesy of VOM USA) Earlier this month, a Mozambican bishop was shot and killed at his home. Bishop Osóri
Key takeaway Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of the Diocese of Quelimane had been growing more vocal about Islamist violence in the region before he was murdered on June 6th.
Why this matters
The recent attacks on Christians in Ethiopia and Mozambique highlight the growing instability and persecution faced by believers in East Africa. The killing of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso in Mozambique and the destruction of the 101-year-old Telata St. Gabriel Church in Ethiopia's Oromia region demonstrate the escalating violence against Christian communities. The fact that Orthodox Christians are being targeted in a predominantly Muslim zone suggests a religious motivation behind the attacks. This pattern of unrest is part of a broader picture of conflict and power struggles in the region, where different factions are vying for control and influence. As Christian leaders call for a full investigation into the attacks, it is crucial for the global Christian community to provide support and prayer for the affected believers. The situation also underscores the need for faith-based organizations and humanitarian groups to be vigilant and proactive in responding to the needs of persecuted Christians in East Africa.
About this story
Original reporting by Mission Network News . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: persecution ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: Mission Network News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? East Africa (MNN) – For centuries, Christianity has shaped life in both Mozambique and Ethiopia. But recent violence has church leaders and believers concerned about growing instability. (Photo courtesy of VOM USA) Earlier this month, a Mozambican bishop was shot and killed at his home. Bishop Osóri
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by Mission Network News and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lyndsey Koh at Mission Network News. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more persecution coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .