The two separate but concurrent incidents that had unfolded themselves in recent weeks in Makalle and Addis Ababa are causes for concern with regard to religious tolerance and the meddling by the security forces in spritual affairs.

The crisis at the Lideta Church in Addis Ababa now in its second month, is over who should administer the place of worship. It was sparked by the dismissal of the head of the Church by the Diocese of the Addis Ababa Orthodox Church and the subsequent appointment of another administrator. That action had become unpalatable to the laity, who stood firm saying they wouldn't allow in any administrator from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church unless their problem with the Patriarch was first solved.

As is usually the case in incidents like this, the government security forces rounded up and imprisoned a considerable number of the laity, who had voiced their opposition against the interference of the police in the affairs of the Church. Only a few "ring leaders" were made to appear before court. Many others are still languishing in gaol and, according to those released, torture and harassment are the daily diet of the prisoners. One person was killed in the religious disturbances a few weeks ago. A journalist from Tobia was severely beaten and had his tape recorder confiscated by the police.

The cause of the crisis in Makalle, Tigray, is different from the one in Addis. Followers of the Good Gospel Church in Makalle were holding a religions meeting at the town's stadium. Unable to bear the deafening noise coming out of the stadium, some residents, conspicuously followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, appeared to demand, reportedly in a peaceful manner, for the stentorian blare to be reduced. That is when the police stepped in-thereby creating more harm than good. At least two persons were killed, although independent reports had put the number at five.

Speaking of blaring loudspeakers from places of worship, the manner in which religious services are conducted has become so noisy that people living or working near churches, mosques and chapels are being mentally tortured by noise day and night. The volume of the noise from almost all places of worship has become too unbearable. And, it seems as if different religions are vying with one another to be heard. The atmosphere near places of worship is absolutely deafening and suffocating. Religious practices should be conducted in a more sober and tolerable manner.

The two religious incidents cited above are causes of conflicts. Once ignited they are difficult to control. Meddling in religions affairs is not a solution. Any inter-religious and intra-religious problem should be solved by the spiritual leaders concerned. If such problems require the involvement of the government or its security apparatchik, the role should be one of facilitating solutions through peaceful means. It shouldn't have been-and must not be-a matter of shooting first and asking questions later.