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In a letter addressed to the prime minister of Ethiopia Dr Abiy Ahmed, on 13 August, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), conveyed heartfelt congratulations in the decisive role played by Ahmed to ensure the reconciliation of the two synods and unity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church after 27 years of separation.
“This is a remarkable achievement and a historic moment for the entire Christian family”, said Tveit. “The unity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, a historic and ancient church, is central to the unity of Ethiopia itself, a historic and ancient nation”, he added.
Abiy, who become prime minister in April, personally intervened in the talks that led to the reunification of the Orthodox Church.
The WCC general secretary also sent letters to His Holiness Abune Mathias I, patriarch of Ethiopia, archbishop of Axum, Echegue of the See of St. Tekelehaimanot, and His Holiness Abunä Merkorios, patriarch of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, congratulating both for historic reconciliation achieved within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
“This is a historic kairos moment of jubilation and celebration not only for Ethiopians, but for the entire ecumenical family”, wrote Tveit. “The journey was long and arduous, but oikoumene (unity) won in the end. To God be the glory!” he added.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which traces its roots back to the 4th century, is one of the oldest organized Christian bodies in the world. More than 40% of Ethiopia's population of about 100 million are adherents of the Orthodox Church.
