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War of Words Between Ethiopia Govt, Orthodox Church Synod Deepens

In a sign of a deepening fracture between the government and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) Holy Synod in Addis Abeba, both have released statements on the issue. The government claimed it was in possession of intelligence about a group that wanted to seize the the church's schism as an "opportunity to shake the government with armed violence", Addis Standard reports. The Holy Synod said that regardless of a ban on unauthorised rallies, its plan to conduct nationwide demonstrations would go ahead as scheduled.

Earlier, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on leaders of the church to resolve their differences through dialogue and discussion. He also defended his government's track record of helping the church in the face of growing criticism of roles being played by the ruling party to divide the church.

In a video posted to his Facebook page, Abiy said that religious institutions should cleanse their insides from "politics, thievery and racism", which he said were contrary to the principles and values of religion. But the trend has been repeatedly witnessed in the Ethiopian case, he said, leaving a trail of "breaking up history, hindering development, and damaging social coexistence."

However, the Holy Synod of EOTC released a statement refuting the prime minister's position.

InFocus

Sailko / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, the seat of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (file photo).

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