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The Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia has declared the week of prayer, which opened on 15 April and runs through 22 April. The prayer initiative has already drawn participation from not only religious leaders but from national government officials as well.
Prayers are reflecting on current conflicts in the country, religious and ethnic tensions, lack of readiness for a national election, the alarming rate of COVID-19 cases, regional tensions and other national issues.
Calls for peace are being amplified on all these fronts as the prayers are broadcast on religious and secular television channels.
In a letter to the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca said that the WCC fellowship is standing in solidarity and praying with Ethiopians this week.
“I commend you on this much needed initiative, especially in these very difficult times,” wrote Sauca. “More than ever, we fervently pray for lasting peace and stability in your beautiful country and the entire region.”
Sauca also prayed for those in political leadership positions, that they may lead all Ethiopians in unity and peace, and in alignment with God’s will. “May the God of Abraham give the people of Ethiopia the strength to carry on and to love one another, as our Scriptures teach us,” Sauca wrote. “May they continue to respect and fear God, so that justice and equity shall soon reign.”
He prayed for realms of greater peace and prosperity, so that the Ethiopian people may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
“I assure you of our continued prayers and solidarity, especially during these Holy Lenten weeks as you prepare for Easter, and during this month of Ramadan,” Sauca concluded.
Read the WCC letter to the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE)
