Geneva, 13 August 2018

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God
(Matthew 5:9)

Your Excellency,

Greetings from the World Council of Churches!

It is my privilege and honour to express my deep gratitude and convey my heartfelt congratulations in the decisive role you played to ensure the reconciliation of the two synods and unity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. This is a remarkable achievement and a historic moment for the entire Christian family! 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.

Since you have been elected Prime Minister on 2 April 2018, you have made more positive and inspiring reforms in Ethiopia than any other leader in Africa or the rest of the world in the last decades. We are impressed and appreciative of your vision, as well as your actions which are paving the way for a stronger and peaceful Ethiopia. The overwhelmingly positive response by the entire Ethiopian people, both within and outside the country, is a testimony of how well your recent reforms to solve the political and social unrest that has shaken the country the last years have been received. Your call for Ethiopian unity across ethnic, religious and political lines was much needed and timely.

We are also particularly impressed and appreciative by your recent trip to Asmara, Eritrea, which ended the twenty-year long fratricidal conflict. Peace and normalisation of ties with Eritrea means peace in the Horn of Africa. The jubilation and expressions of triumph expressed on both sides of the border speaks volume about how much peace and healing were sought by Ethiopians and Eritreans who were worn out after two decades of hostility. We commend you for your moral leadership, and all the positive changes you have brought to your nation and its people. I have already congratulated you on this successful achievement with my message that was delivered to you by my colleague, Dr Nigussu Legesse, who served in the Reconciliation Committee of the two EOTC Synods.

I join the entire ecumenical family in giving thanks to God as you carry on your work towards a peaceful, just and healed Ethiopia. We uphold you in our prayers and ask the Almighty to shower you with His abundant grace and guide you in every step of the way.

With every good wishes for God’s blessings, and with our prayers.Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General Secretary
World Council of Churches