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The head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Patriarch Abune Paulos, one of the presidents of the WCC, has spoken out forcefully in favour of peace and reconciliation in a region beset by conflicts.
"I appeal to all parties concerned to resort to dialogue as the means of resolving any conflicts in order to spare the people the pain and suffering they have been made to endure over the years. I strongly hope and pray that the conflicts in the Horn of Africa, especially between Ethiopia and Eritrea, will soon find a permanent peaceful solution," the patriarch stated during a press conference in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on 30 June 2006.
Echoing the theme of the WCC's 9th Assembly which took place in early 2006, the patriarch emphasized the role of the churches in social transformation. "The churches and the ecumenical movement need to pray and hope that God's grace will transform us continuously. We, as believers in the one who came to bring life in all its fullness, are charged with the mission to build a transformed world and a new Africa where justice and peace will prevail," he said.
"I call upon all people of faith in both countries to work with the political leaders to accelerate the coming of lasting peace. Because, as we all know, war and violence destroy not only properties but also the dignity and lives of people made in the image of God," urged the church leader.
Patriarch Abune Paulos is head of the 38-million strong Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He was elected as one of the WCC's eight presidents by the 9th Assembly in February 2006.