The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, has praised the ‘unique contribution’ of Ethiopian Christianity during his first official visit to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

|TOP|During his visit to the country between the 24 and 30 September, Rev. Kobia met with H.H. Patriarch Abune Paulos, who heads the 38-million-strong Church.

Rev. Kobia said: “As custodians of an ancient spiritual heritage, Ethiopian Christianity has a unique contribution which is of central importance in Africa and to the ecumenical family worldwide."

The WCC general secretary also highlighted the stark contrast between the “moral wealth” of the African continent and the “fear and poverty” that is the daily reality of so many lives in Africa, where so many struggle against “HIV/AIDS, insecurity, corruption and conflict”, a WCC press statement said.

Patriarch Abune Paulos welcomed the WCC visit to Ethiopia and reaffirmed his decision to attend the 9th Assembly, to be held in Porto Alegre in Brazil in February 2006.

Rev. Kobia stressed the important role Ethiopia in building a lasting peace in the African continent: “Ethiopia has a vocation to nurture a renewed commitment for peace and reconciliation in the troubled lands of the African continent.

|QUOTE|“Jesus Christ came into the world to give abundant life. This signifies the intrinsic connection between our quest for visible unity of the church and engagement in a life-centred ministry. Churches must unite their voices and their actions if lasting peace and justice is to be attained.”

Ethiopia has been the scene of much political tension after a dispute between the country’s government and opposition over the results of the parliamentary election earlier this year.

Dr Agnes Abuom, WCC president from Africa, said the visit was an opportunity to “draw wisdom and strength” from the turbulent history of the church in the country, and to accompany the people of Ethiopia at a “critical time”.

Part of the visit by the WCC delegation included a meeting with Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi. Rev. Kobia made an appeal to political leaders on both sides of the dispute to ensure the constitution is upheld and the peace and security of the people safeguarded.

“We sincerely appeal to the Ethiopian government to reach out to the opposition parties and civil society groups in Ethiopia and embrace the path of dialogue as the means to resolving the pending matters following the recent elections,” said Kobia.

“The WCC is willing to offer every assistance and support to the government and the opposition to avert confrontation and instead put the interests of the people of this great nation first.”

The head of the WCC also called upon the faith community to work with the politicians for peace: “Religious institutions and political leaders have a common responsibility to employ all options to alleviate tensions and avoid conflict in a country which is emerging from a period of such calamities.”

The week-long visit to Ethiopia also included an earlier meeting with Rev Iteffa Gobena and the leadership of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church.

The WCC delegation also met with leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church where the WCC mission was presented.

The trip also included visits to several social, educational and sustainable agricultural programmes carried out by the church the opportunity to learn about the new initiatives being undertaken by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in HIV/AIDS prevention and anti-stigma education.

The WCC has been involved in numerous international ecumenical social and humanitarian programmes in Ethiopia, as well as often mediating during episodes of social and political crisis.