Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Opens New Meetinghouse in Utah with Interfaith Support

Elder R. Pepper Murray, an Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcomed leaders and members of St. Mary’s Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church at their new worship location in North Salt Lake, Utah, on June 28, 2025. The event marked the completion of a new meetinghouse, made possible through contributions from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other donors. The gathering featured song and dance, reflecting the community’s joy and gratitude.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church had previously met in a one-room building in Layton, Utah, which was insufficient for their growing congregation. In 2021, Kesis Tagay, head of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, sought assistance from Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to find a permanent worship space. Elder Rasband promptly committed to supporting the community’s needs.

Mike Mamo, vice chairman and public relations for St. Mary’s Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, described the new facility as a “legacy” of Elder Rasband’s promise to the congregation. The transformation of two storage warehouses belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints into a worship space, kitchen, restrooms, and priest’s apartment was the result of collaborative efforts between the Church and other donors.

Members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian community in Ethiopia and around the world participated in the celebration. A livestream of the event was broadcast globally, with Ethiopia Addis Ababa Mission President Oliva Cowley hosting nearly 40 guests of various faiths in a hotel ballroom in the capital city. The interfaith event underscored the shared commitment to religious freedom and community unity.

The opening of the new meetinghouse represents a significant milestone for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Utah. It not only addresses the community’s physical needs but also strengthens interfaith relationships in a region where religious freedom faces ongoing challenges. The collaboration between different religious groups highlights the importance of mutual support and cooperation in fostering peace and understanding.

This act of interfaith collaboration aligns with the theme of peacemaking and reconciliation found in Romans 12:18, which encourages believers to live in harmony with one another. The shared effort to build a space for worship and community reflects a broader commitment to justice, mercy, and humble service.

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