Ethiopian Lutherans target of violent attacks

More than 10,000 Lutherans gathered in Addis Ababa in February to celebrate their faith

Leaders of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) are asking their Canadian brothers and sisters for prayer after a series of church burnings in that country by Muslim extremists. Rev. Dr. Gemechis D. Buba, in an e-mail on behalf of Mekane Yesus President Rev. Dr. Wakseyoum Idossa, says at least 41 churches and several evangelical mission stations and homes to mission congregations were burned down and that thousands of people were left homeless, beaten, or killed. Rev. Buba says the perpetrators are radical Jihadist elements operating in the Muslim majority west and southwestern parts of the country, an assertion confirmed by news reports.

“We should all be concerned about this,” noted Lutheran Church–Canada’s mission executive Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, who met with the pastors and leaders of EECMY in February. “This church is very bold in proclaiming the Gospel and when that happens, those opposed to God’s gift of salvation in Jesus Christ will react.” The EECMY is the home church of many Oromo Lutherans currently connected with Lutheran Church–Canada congregations.

The Bloomberg News wire service reported on March 4that three churches and two houses used by evangelical Christians were burned in Asendabo, in response to an alleged burning of the Koran. However, Ethiopian Communications Minister Bereket Simon says only two houses of worship were burned, no one was killed, and that “It’s a very minor, isolated incident.”

In spite of this, on March 8, Voice of America (VOA), the US shortwave radio service reported that Ethiopian police have arrested 130 people in connection with a series of church burnings. These took place in the Oromia region near the town of Jimma. The VOA report says thousands of Muslims joined in the burnings, and confirms that 4,000 people near Asendabo had fled their homes. Government spokesman Shimelis Kermal also told VOA that two Christians were killed in the incidents.

Moga Firisa, leader of the Oromo Federal Democratic Movement, an opposition party also told VOA that the region is usually known for its communal harmony and that Christians and Muslims there usually work and live together peacefully. However, Rev. Buba says events like this have happened before. “Three years ago, Muslim fundamentalists burned down several churches, killed evangelists, pastors, and lay leaders,” he says, further noting, “Persecution is not new to our church, however every time it happens, it opens up old wounds and breaks the hearts of many.”

The Ethiopians ask for prayer from LCC leaders and members as investigations into the burnings continue, and help is given to those affected. “May God renew our world in this Lenten season through the Holy Word of God and through the powerful grace of God through Christ, Amen!” says Rev. Buba.

A copy of Rev. Buba’s letter is at http://gnesiolutheran.com/a-call-for-prayer-from-mekane-yesus-church-in-ethiopia/