US President, Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would be signing a “Born Alive” executive order “to ensure that all precious babies born alive, no matter their circumstances, receive the medical care that they deserve.”

Trump made this announcement in a video message during the 16th Annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, which was held virtually in observance of coronavirus precautionary norms.

He also announced an increase in federal funding for neonatal research “to ensure that every child has the very best chance to thrive and to grow.”

“We believe in the joy of family, the blessing of freedom, the dignity of work and the eternal truth that every child born and unborn is made in the holy image of God,” Trump said.

He also stated his commitment to protecting the vital role of religion, prayer and the right to life, calling the protection of children a “sacrosanct moral duty.”

The US president recalled growing up next to a Catholic Church in Queens, New York and seeing the impact of the Catholic Church in his community.

“Catholic schools give many underserved children the chance to reach their God-given potential,” he said. Catholics of all backgrounds share the love of Christ with the most vulnerable as they care for the elderly, the homeless and neighbors in need.”

“Our nation is strong because of Catholics and all people of faith,” the president added.

Trump recalled Pope St. John Paul II’s first visit to the US, repeating the Polish saint’s words to a parish in Harlem: “let the Good News of Christ radiate from your hearts and the peace that He alone gives remain forever in your souls.”

He also expressed his gratitude to Catholics across America who bring “hope and joy and light and grace to the world.”

Eritrean government has, at the time of writing, released 69 Christian prisoners, many of whom have been in long-term detention for their faith for up to 16 years without trial.

Following on from a release of more than 20 male and female prisoners on 4 September, Barnabas can report that the authorities are continuing make conditional releases from the Mai Serwa prison, near the capital, Asmara.

A Barnabas contact has confirmed the Eritrean government has, at the time of writing, released 69 Christian prisoners, many of whom have been in long-term detention for their faith for up to 16 years without trial.

Following on from a release of more than 20 male and female prisoners on 4 September,  the authorities are continuing make conditional releases from the Mai Serwa prison, near the capital, Asmara.

“This is an answer to prayer. Thousands of Christians have been praying for this,” he added.

Life will not be easy for those who are released Dr Berhane explained, “Many have been in prison for a long time. The circumstances they are being released into are very changed. Some will return to friends and extended family, but many will be homeless with nowhere to go. There is no state help in Eritrea.”

Dr Berhane called for prayer for the released prisoners, “People have souls and minds that will need healing. They need to rehabilitate. We need to pray that they will recover from their trauma.”

In 2019, more than 330 Christians were arrested between May and August. Among them were 141 Christians – including 104 women and 14 children – detained on 10 May as they gathered at a house church meeting in Asmara.

Eritrea remains one of the worst countries in the world for Christian persecution, where believers of certain denominations are subject to arbitrary arrest and detention without trial. Since the introduction of religious registration policies in 2002, only three Christian denominations are legally permitted – Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran – as well as Sunni Islam.