Winnipeg’s Oromo community draws attention to slaughter of Christians in Libya

The Oromo community in Winnipeg holds a candlelight vigil in honour of Ethiopian Christians murdered by the Islamic State.

WINNIPEG – Following the April release of a video showing Islamic State militants beheading Ethiopian Christians in Libya, Oromo Christians throughout Canada observed three days of fasting and prayer May 1-3 to draw attention to the plight of persecuted Christians across the globe. The Oromo people make up the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia.

Rev. Asefa Aredo (far right) addresses the Oromo community during a candlelight vigil at Winnipeg’s City Hall.

In Winnipeg, the Oromo Christian Fellowship, led by Lutheran Church–Canada missionary pastor Rev. Asefa Aredo, held a candle light vigil at Winnipeg’s City Hall on May 3 to remember those martyred by the Islamic State, and to draw wider attention to their suffering. “We display our sadness for those who have been beheaded for their religion, for their steadfast faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Rev. Aredo explained. “Our fasting and prayer is to ask God to give His grace for those alive to stay strong in the faith, and to comfort all families who have lost their loved ones.”

The despicable acts of the Islamic State have repulsed not only Oromo Christians but Muslims as well, Rev. Aredo noted. The whole Oromo community in Winnipeg, Christian and non-Christian, came out to participate in the peaceful demonstration at city hall.

“As a Lutheran called and ordained pastor here in Canada, I request urgent prayer for Ethiopia’s Oromo Christians,” Rev. Aredo continued. “And please pray also for their partners in suffering elsewhere in the world: in Libya, on the Mediterranean Sea, in Iraq, Nigeria, South Africa, and everywhere else. We are frustrated and in pain for all those affected.”

The Canadian Lutheran earlier reflected on the martyrdom of Christians around the world, following the February 2015 release of another video showing Islamic State militants beheading Egyptian Christians.

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