An international ecumenical delegation headed by World Council of Churches’ (WCC) general secretary Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, will gather in the largest and oldest church on the African continent this month. The delegation will be held at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church from 24-30 September.
"Ethiopians have been part of the church from the very beginning, and Ethiopia is a country with a profound spiritual ancestry," emphasised Kobia.
"The ancient church and the culture of Ethiopia continue to offer a source of identity and dignity for many Africans and to humankind. Ethiopia is going through challenging and trying times, and the WCC desires to be with the church and the people in times of difficulty as well as joy."
The invitation of the WCC delegation to Ethiopia comes from H.H., Patriarch Abune Paulos, who has been the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church since 1992.
The delegation will meet with Ethiopian Orthodox officials, make visits to church holy sites and social and educational initiatives, and meet with leaders of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus which is the second WCC member church in Ethiopia. They will also hold talks with political leaders and representatives of regional organisations in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the largest national churches in the world, with approximately 38 million members. It is a founding member of the WCC in 1948.
Along with the WCC general secretary, the delegation will include: : Dr Agnes Abuom, WCC president from Africa, Kenya; Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Cilicia), Lebanon; Rev. Ingrid Vad Nilsen, Norway; Mr Nicholas Otieno, Kenya; Mr Melaku Kifle, and Rev. Dr André Karamaga, WCC staff.
