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In a solidarity letter to Abune Mathias, patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, a member church of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, the WCC general secretary expressed deep shock over the recent killing of more than 20 Ethiopian Christians in Libya by the so called Islamic State (IS).
“I speak on behalf of the ecumenical family when I say that we are shocked and appalled by the heinous and inhuman violence inflicted on these innocent faithful Ethiopians and that we strongly denounce and condemn any ideology that condones and celebrates murder and torture,” said Tveit in the letter issued on 21 April.
“It is in such troubled and challenging times,” he continued, “that the gospel imperative of solidarity and ecumenical togetherness with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is more relevant than ever.”
“We stand in solidarity with your church during this painful period when you are mourning your faithful children,” said Tveit.
The WCC general secretary offered prayers for the victims. He said, “We also pray for healing and strength of their families and loved ones. We also pray for all migrants who take great risks in the hope for a better and more dignified life. May the Almighty protect them in their perilous journey.”
Read full text of the WCC general secretary’s letter
