Ethiopian Patriarch Rejects Sodomy and Same Sex Marriage as Violation of Natural Law and Holy Books

Ethiopian Patriarch Abune Mathias has reiterated the stance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church against sodomy and same sex marriage, stating that these acts are rejected in natural law and the Holy Books. The declaration was made during the annual meeting of the Holy Synod, which has been taking place at the Patriarchate in Addis Ababa. The statement from the Synod emphasized that such acts distort individual identity and harm family life and social cohesion.

The Synod’s position aligns with broader teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which views homosexuality and same sex marriage as incompatible with natural law and religious doctrine. The church has pledged to release a more detailed statement on its position regarding these issues, reflecting its longstanding stance. This position is consistent with the teachings of the church’s holy texts and the moral framework upheld by its leadership.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s position on homosexuality has intersected with political developments in the country. In November 2023, the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed faced criticism for signing the Samoa Agreement, which critics argued tied aid to the promotion of certain rights, including those related to sexual education. This move was seen by some as an attempt to impose Western values, including acceptance of homosexuality, on Ethiopian society.

In February 2024, the Ethiopian Inter-Religious Council expressed opposition to the Samoa Agreement, calling for its withdrawal. The council argued that the agreement undermined traditional values and religious beliefs. This sentiment was echoed by four major opposition parties, which stated that homosexuality is a criminal act in Ethiopia and that any support for it, whether intentional or not, violates cultural and religious norms.

In March 2024, Ethiopian Muslims raised concerns during a meeting with Abiy Ahmed, expressing worries about the government’s promotion of “inclusive sexual education” as part of broader efforts to normalize homosexuality. The discussion highlighted the tension between government policies and the values upheld by religious communities. The Prime Minister responded by noting that agreements signed by Ethiopia are only binding once ratified by parliament, suggesting a cautious approach to the issue.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s teachings on morality and human identity reflect a broader cultural and religious context in Ethiopia. The church’s leadership continues to emphasize the importance of traditional values and the role of faith in shaping societal norms. This stance is rooted in the belief that moral and ethical guidance comes from divine sources and that human behavior should align with these teachings. The church’s position on homosexuality is part of a larger effort to preserve the integrity of Ethiopian culture and religious heritage.

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