Ethiopian Orthodox Church Criticizes National Dialogue Commission for Exclusion

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has expressed concerns over the National Dialogue Commission, stating that it has not been officially invited to participate in the ongoing process. During its annual meeting, His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch, read a 14-point statement outlining the church’s position on various issues, including the dialogue initiative. The statement emphasized that the commission was established to resolve national problems through stakeholder involvement, yet the church, which has historically played a key role in peace-building, has not received an official call for participation.

The church noted that the commission has already entered the dialogue stage after finalizing the agenda and participants. It criticized the exclusion of the church from the process and urged the commission to respect its right to contribute to the dialogue. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has assigned a committee to monitor its participation and ensure its agenda is included in the discussions.

The Ethiopian Church, which has over 50 million followers, has faced increasing challenges since Abiy Ahmed assumed power in 2018. Reports of attacks on its followers, the burning of churches, and restrictions on religious festivals have been documented. Government authorities at various levels have been implicated in supporting these actions, and there have been efforts to divide the church internally by attempting to restructure the Holy Synod.

The Holy Synod Statement also addressed the issue of homosexuality, highlighting opposition from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Ethiopian Muslims, and the Inter-Religious Council. They cited the Ethiopian government’s agreement with Samoa as a point of contention, arguing that it represents a move toward accepting homosexuality, which they view as unacceptable from religious and social perspectives.

The church’s concerns reflect broader tensions between religious institutions and governmental policies, raising questions about the role of faith communities in national discourse. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church continues to advocate for its rights and the protection of its traditions within the evolving political landscape.

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