Social tension in Albania shows no sign of abating. Following protests that began in June over the construction of a large-scale tourist complex in a flamingo nature reserve – and a summer in which the protests spread to other sectors – violence has now erupted.

In September, students are demanding that the government reduce tuition fees, improve conditions in educational institutions and offer better prospects for the future in a country from which many have emigrated to seek work abroad.

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Over the last week, barricades, burning buildings and clashes with riot police have further heightened tensions on the streets, where mass protests had almost always been peaceful in recent months.

The government of Social Democratic Prime Minister Edi Rama (in power since 2013), which holds an absolute majority in parliament, has claimed that this is all an attempt by the opposition to derail Albania’s plans to become a member of the European Union. For years, conservative voices argue that joining the EU-27 would mean abandoning many of Albania’s values, including the concept of marriage between a man and a woman.

 

Evangelical Alliance calls to prayer

Evangelicals represent a social minority, but even so, they can make a difference at this time of social upheaval, believes Alesio Sema, general secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Albania (VUSH).

“In these days of protests and tension, the Word of God first calls us to become people of prayer. Prayer is our primary way of engaging with the reality we face,” he said in a 15 October statement from the entity, which brings together the majority of Albania’s evangelical churches. “There is power when we come together in prayer, for our hearts unite and seek the face of God and His justice.”

The organisation calls on both Albanians and Christians from other countries who are concerned about the situation to pray for “preservation and protection from violence, hatred and division”.

It also calls for wisdom for those in government, that they may be guided by “justice, integrity and accountability”.

Ability to “listen and dialogue” needed

VUSH considers society’s capacity for “listening and dialogue” to be essential, particularly amongst politicians.

It also calls for “hope” for families in the country, especially those experiencing “hardship and injustice”. The evangelical organisation calls for prayer that “the Church in Albania may be a witness to peace and to the Gospel of Christ”. “Let us pray in our homes, in our churches and wherever we are, with one heart and one spirit, for our nation and for its peace”.

The message concluded with references to the prayers in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Jeremiah 29:7.

Right to peaceful protests, proportionate police response

A second statement on Sunday 18 October underlined that the Evangelical Alliance of Albania had been following recent events. It "supports the right to protest and the free expression of speech, but condemns any form of violence, such as that perpetrated by protesters against institutions and businesses, as well as the unjust and disproportionate use of police force against citizens".

The evangelical entity calls on "everyone for restraint, calm and responsibility", adding that "violence is not the solution" and "no political interest can be placed above peace and the common good".

"We believe that justice, responsibility and peace are the foundation of a healthy society, where the dignity and rights of every citizen are respected", they added.

Europan Baptist Federation also reacts

Meanwhile, the European Baptist Federation, also commented on the “serious unrest as student protest have escalated into violence”.

The leadership council of the federation of Baptist networks was recently in Albania for a European gathering, where they had “experienced the incredible warmth and hospitality of our Albanian brothers and sisters. Today, we are calling our Baptist family to stand with them in prayer”, they said in a social media post published on 16 October.

Albania's 300 evangelical churches after a Communist past

In the 35 years since the country ceased to be a communist regime cut off from the outside world, Evangelical Christians in Albania have established some 300 local churches. Islam remains the majority religion in the country, but there is also a significant presence of Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

One week ago, Albania hosted the ‘Hope for Europe’ gathering, at which 250 representatives from evangelical organisations across 32 countries met for a week in the coastal town of Golem, west of Tirana. The gathering explored how Christians can bring hope and build bridges of understanding in times of uncertainty, polarisation and crisis.