Patriarch of the Ethiopian Church Calls for Peace in Tigray Amid Leadership Division  

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On January 18, 2025, Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, issued a heartfelt appeal for peace in the Tigray region as tensions persist following a two-year conflict. His statement comes amid reports of an internal division within the Church’s leadership, further complicating efforts for reconciliation.  

The patriarch emphasized the Church’s role as a mediator, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and mutual understanding to end the suffering of civilians. "We must remember the sacred duty to protect life and promote peace," he stated during a televised address from Addis Ababa.  

However, the Church’s ability to act as a unifying force has been questioned due to internal disagreements. Some senior clergy reportedly criticized the patriarch’s earlier condemnations of violence in Tigray, claiming his statements were politically biased. Meanwhile, others within the Church have called for more active involvement in addressing humanitarian issues and facilitating post-conflict recovery.  

The conflict in Tigray, which erupted in November 2020 between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced. Although a peace agreement was signed in November 2022, sporadic violence and unresolved political grievances continue to hinder stability in the region.  

Abune Mathias has consistently condemned the atrocities committed during the conflict and advocated for the rights of the Tigrayan people, often at great personal risk. His latest appeal reflects the Church’s ongoing efforts to promote healing in a deeply divided nation.  

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, remains a powerful institution in Ethiopia. However, the current divisions within its leadership highlight the challenges it faces in serving as a moral authority in times of national crisis.

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