Ethiopia: LWF in solidarity with church and people yearning for peace
Worship in an EECMY congregation. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
General Secretary Anne Burghardt sends message of encouragement to EECMY President
(LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has expressed the communion’s “deep concern” over the recent developments in Ethiopia and “solidarity with our sisters and brothers” and all people yearning for peace.
In a pastoral letter to The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), LWF General Secretary Rev. Anne Burghardt, offers reassurance of “hope and trust in God also when there seems to be no clear path towards peace and restoration.”
“Our hearts go out specifically to the most vulnerable, whose lives and livelihoods have been hit the hardest,” she said in the letter to EECMY President Rev. Yonas Yigezu Dibisa. The general secretary noted the worsening conflict and tension in the country over several months now, and the recent declaration of a state of emergency “may lead to further deterioration of the situation.”
The LWF is also “saddened” by reports about the humanitarian situation and the lack of access to people in need because of the conflict. “We worry that as the situation evolves, it might result in many more lives being lost, more people injured and hurt, and many more displaced,” she said.
During these trying times, the EECMY continues to shine as a beacon of hope to the people of Ethiopia through its ministry and witness. This encourages us and gives us hope
“During these trying times, the EECMY continues to shine as a beacon of hope to the people of Ethiopia through its ministry and witness. We encourage you to continue to stand firmly and to work for peace, given the increased divisions in the Ethiopian society,” the general secretary noted.
“We continue standing with you and pledge our support,” Burghardt added, referring to over 50 years of LWF’s collaboration with the church and World Service country program in serving the people of Ethiopia.
