ETHIOPIA: Growing religions a threat to Ethiopia's Orthodox Church, analysts say.

Record ID: 779082

  • Title: ETHIOPIA: Growing religions a threat to Ethiopia's Orthodox Church, analysts say.
  • Date: 12th December 2012
  • Summary: PEOPLE ENTERING CHURCH COMPOUND
  • Embargoed: 27th December 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Ethiopia
  • Country: Ethiopia
  • Topics: Politics,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVAF0HCCR6USNESDR7OKE7M9VDLA
  • Story Text: Ethiopia's Orthodox Church, is one of the world's oldest churches and its growing influence remains strong in the country. But after the death of its leader, Patriarch, Abuno Paulos in August this year we examine whether an increase in evangelical churches and Islam in the country could challenge the church's future.


    At the Kuchene Medhanialem church in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, hundreds of Ethiopian Orthodox followers have come out to celebrate the annual Holy Saviour feast. The church often holds similar colourful ceremonies all year round to mark various feasts on its calendar.
    The country's Orthodox Church was established in 34 AD and was once part of Egypt's Coptic Church but got its own patriarch in 1959. Today over 60 percent of Ethiopia's 84 million people are orthodox Christians.
    The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the pre-colonial Christian denominations in sub-Saharan Africa.
    Orthodox Christianity became the established religion of the Ethiopian Azumite Kingdom under King Ezana in the 4th century through the efforts of a Syrian Greek called Frumentius. Legend has it, that Frumentius was shipwrecked on the coast of modern day Eritrea with his brother before making his way to the Ethiopian court and impressing King Ezana with his faith.
    But today the church faces an uncertain future, following the death of its fifth patriarch, Abune Paulos in August this year.
    Paulos, a renowned scholar and peace advocate was also instrumental for his work on the reconciliation process between a border war between Ethiopia and Eritrea that ended in 2000 and his death is seen as a great loss for the country and church.
    Many Ethiopians still remain faithful to the church and adhere to their faith.
    Bilen Ishetu, works as an attendant at a wedding shop in Addis Ababa, says participating in church activities is part of her life. The 24-year-old reckons that modern day influences should not come in the way of one's faith and is confident that the orthodox church will continue to grow here, even under new leadership.
    "For me, I can still be spiritual in a modern world. After work hours and during my spare time, I go to church. The same with my friends when we are free we meet up and then we go and attend church services. Usually I spend my time at church when I am not working especially over the weekends," she said.
    The church has kept old traditions and displayed religious devotion among members.
    Dr. Kindeneh Engdeg is a lecturer at the Addis Ababa University's institute of Ethiopian studies.
    "Africa, especially just to come back to our case the Ethiopian Orthodox church, there is no sign of the church becoming less important in the society. Rather, what we see, currently is even the youth becoming even more religious. And then what makes the current trend even more interesting is the fact that it is even more visible," he said.
    Ethiopia also boasts religious historical sites like the fabled red rock-hewn churches in the northern Lalibela town, a world heritage site that draw tourists from around the world every year.
    Despite the growing influence of Islam in Ethiopia, the Orthodox Church remains stronger than ever, and maintains its specificity. For example, the official Ethiopian calendar has an eight year difference from the normal calendar.
    Engdeg says though that the Orthodox Church may soon face competition from other religious groups.
    "Problem is that all religious denominations by which I mean the Ethiopian Orthodox church, the protestant denominations and Islam are becoming more competitive. So, what is needed is something that can tone down, something that can defuse the competitive atmosphere. Which is sometimes, you know you can feel the tension," he adds.
    Abune Paulos had served as patriarch of the church since 1992 and received awards for his humanitarian work.
    Critics say though that the religious leader had strong ties with the government and that he tried to assert more power to his position.
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