What’s behind the crisis in Ethiopia’s Orthodox Tewahedo Church? | Religion

A group of rebel bishops formed their own council in the Oromia region.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the largest and oldest churches in Africa.

But there has been a split in its ranks after three bishops established their own patriarchate, which they named the “Oromia and Nations and Nationalities Synod” last month.

The move has led to weeks of unrest, division and violence in some areas. The government has banned the protests and restricted social media.

But the fallout could still have ramifications for the church itself and the country.

So what is behind this schism in the Ethiopian Orthodox church?

Presenters: Mohammed Jamjoom

Guest:

Father Alemayehu Desta – a priest at Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Dallas, Texas in the United States

Arega Getaneh – a theologian specializing in Ethiopian religious groups

Tewodrose Tirfe – President of the American Amhara Association