Arbitration Committee for the Two Synods of Ethiopian Orthodox Church Briefs PM Abiy

Addis Ababa July 18/2018 The Arbitration Committee that has been working to reconcile the Ethiopian Orthodox Church synod at home and the synod in exile held discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today. The committee comprised of bishops, religious leaders and famous people briefed the PM on the progress made in reconciling the rival synods. Over the past years, the synod has been carrying out various activities to resolve the differences between the Holy Synod and the synod in USA. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Patriarch of Bahir Dar Diocese Abune Abraham said the Holy Synod has given guidelines and advice about how to bring peace and make the process effective. “We have travelled to the USA four times to meet the former Patriarch Abune Merkorios,” he said, adding that a delegation will travel soon back to USA for final push to resolve the disagreements. It is to be recalled that the synod split into two due to disagreements that surfaced among the former Holy Synod. World Council of Churches Africa Office Program Executive, Dr. Nigussu Legesse told ENA that the committee has been working relentlessly over the past one year especially since the coming to power of PM Abiy. “We don't expect negative response and plan to go to the US with great hope,” he added. The celebrated athlete Haile Gebresilassie who is also member of the committee said the efforts undertaken to end the differences have shown fruitful result as the two sides agreed to solve the problem at home. He expressed his hope that the disagreement lasted over the past ten years will be solved soon. Committee members thanked Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his initiative and efforts to build peace, unity and reconciliation in the country in general and in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in particular. Prime Minister Abiy told the committee that priority must be given to peace and reconciliation of the two synods which in turn contributes to nation building. Ethiopian Orthodox Church has remarkable historical and cultural resources that are valuable for the country, he noted. Abiy pointed out that peace, unity and love among the faithful are crucial, and the government is ready to provide every necessary support in this regard. The 12 member arbitration committee is expected to fly to the USA at the end of this month.