The EOTC Patriarchate: A Cause for Disunity
(By Teklu Abate
EXCLUSIVELY for Deje Selam):- The division of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido
Church (EOTC) into two competing synods has a single cause: the way the most
infamous patriarch, the late Abune Paulos, was instated as leader of the church
twenty years ago.
EXCLUSIVELY for Deje Selam):- The division of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido
Church (EOTC) into two competing synods has a single cause: the way the most
infamous patriarch, the late Abune Paulos, was instated as leader of the church
twenty years ago.
The then members of
the synod did not oppose the political maneuvering made and several even
praised the move. That effectively divided the top leadership of the church
that survived countless challenges before. For the last two decades, the two
synods invested a lot of their time and resources to ‘fight and kill’ each
other, which in the end unfavorably checked the church’s growth and
development.
Three reconciliation
efforts were made so far, all ended in fiasco. Some argued that the third one,
which took place in Dallas, was relatively smooth, peaceful, and promising. The
signs such folks identified include the fact that delegates of the two synods
shared prayers and meals together, that they showed respect to each other, and
that both sides agreed to further negotiate in January 2013. Had the parties
been secular, these signs could have been dubbed significant. But we are
talking about bishops who reached or are supposed to reach the highest level of
spirituality and wisdom. In principle, they should not have allowed the
division of the synod in the first place. Or at least, they should have solved
the problem in just one negotiation. Unfortunately, it seems that they want to
make “reconciliation” their annual agenda.
efforts were made so far, all ended in fiasco. Some argued that the third one,
which took place in Dallas, was relatively smooth, peaceful, and promising. The
signs such folks identified include the fact that delegates of the two synods
shared prayers and meals together, that they showed respect to each other, and
that both sides agreed to further negotiate in January 2013. Had the parties
been secular, these signs could have been dubbed significant. But we are
talking about bishops who reached or are supposed to reach the highest level of
spirituality and wisdom. In principle, they should not have allowed the
division of the synod in the first place. Or at least, they should have solved
the problem in just one negotiation. Unfortunately, it seems that they want to
make “reconciliation” their annual agenda.
Reconciliation Failed?
In my previous post, http://tekluabate.blogspot.no/2012/11/eotcthe-two-synods.html, I, based on some clues and cues available then, indicated
that the 3rd reconciliation effort would be no different than the
previous ones. And that unfortunately seems materialized now. The synod in
Addis disgraced itself by making perhaps the most offensive, immature, and upsetting
decision ever. There is this time around ample evidence which testifies to the
fact that reconciliation was never genuinely sought after in the first place.
All the talks and media bravados seemed to show a false political gesture made
to simply ‘please’ the public.
that the 3rd reconciliation effort would be no different than the
previous ones. And that unfortunately seems materialized now. The synod in
Addis disgraced itself by making perhaps the most offensive, immature, and upsetting
decision ever. There is this time around ample evidence which testifies to the
fact that reconciliation was never genuinely sought after in the first place.
All the talks and media bravados seemed to show a false political gesture made
to simply ‘please’ the public.
The synod delegated four
members for the peace talks in Dallas. Astonishingly, the Addis Ababa synod
deliberately sent bold signals which showed the lack of interest and readiness thereof
to embrace peace and unity. One, they first distributed the rumors that a law
that supports patriarch choice was being formulated. Two, they in one way or
another indicated that they would soon elect nominating committee that would oversee
choice of a patriarch. Three, the Acting Patriarch Abune Natanael emphatically
told VOA that Abune Merkorios could not assume his position as patriarch. And
he talked of the possibility of offering Abune Merkorios cars, houses, and
other utilities and facilities if he wishes to enter the country.
members for the peace talks in Dallas. Astonishingly, the Addis Ababa synod
deliberately sent bold signals which showed the lack of interest and readiness thereof
to embrace peace and unity. One, they first distributed the rumors that a law
that supports patriarch choice was being formulated. Two, they in one way or
another indicated that they would soon elect nominating committee that would oversee
choice of a patriarch. Three, the Acting Patriarch Abune Natanael emphatically
told VOA that Abune Merkorios could not assume his position as patriarch. And
he talked of the possibility of offering Abune Merkorios cars, houses, and
other utilities and facilities if he wishes to enter the country.
This was the most
devastating news to the reconciliation committee and the entire Christian
community and unity lovers. How on earth a father of such position and age came
up with these childish, egoistic, amoral, and ice-cold speeches? Abune Natanael
initially worked hard to ease the tensions between the two synods and to even
allow Abune Merkorios to serve the church while residing in Addis. Lately, the
bishop clearly and publicly appeared dismissive, dictatorial, and cruel in his
interviews. In a way, his talk sent shockwaves to the entire church community
and powerfully signaled the beginning of the end of peace and unity talks.
devastating news to the reconciliation committee and the entire Christian
community and unity lovers. How on earth a father of such position and age came
up with these childish, egoistic, amoral, and ice-cold speeches? Abune Natanael
initially worked hard to ease the tensions between the two synods and to even
allow Abune Merkorios to serve the church while residing in Addis. Lately, the
bishop clearly and publicly appeared dismissive, dictatorial, and cruel in his
interviews. In a way, his talk sent shockwaves to the entire church community
and powerfully signaled the beginning of the end of peace and unity talks.
The Landmark
While we were
regurgitating Abune Natanael’s incapacitating talks, two more developments that
seemed to mark the impossibility of unity emerged. One, a bylaw that governs
patriarch choice is now ratified. The law left no room for God to intervene
during election of patriarchs- voting will be used to choose a leader from
beginning to end. This leaves pretty good space for manipulating elections for
whatever reasons. Two, the most severe blow to the reconciliation and unity
effort was made a day before: a nominating committee of 13 personalities was elected.
The committee will identify, in just less than two months, potential candidates
who would bid for the church’s highest office. Whatelse could herald the complete
failure of the peace talks than this one? Nothing. But am not still advising
the peace committee to quit their jobs. Just keep going!
regurgitating Abune Natanael’s incapacitating talks, two more developments that
seemed to mark the impossibility of unity emerged. One, a bylaw that governs
patriarch choice is now ratified. The law left no room for God to intervene
during election of patriarchs- voting will be used to choose a leader from
beginning to end. This leaves pretty good space for manipulating elections for
whatever reasons. Two, the most severe blow to the reconciliation and unity
effort was made a day before: a nominating committee of 13 personalities was elected.
The committee will identify, in just less than two months, potential candidates
who would bid for the church’s highest office. Whatelse could herald the complete
failure of the peace talks than this one? Nothing. But am not still advising
the peace committee to quit their jobs. Just keep going!
The synod did not even
wait for the words/reports of the peace delegation sent to Dallas. Nor they incorporated
the views of the delegation committee members into the bylaws and in the
selection of nominating committee members. Interesting is that one of the
delegates, Abune Athnatios, made it clear that the decision made by the Synod
in Addis is simply unbelievable and vowed to oppose it in the strongest
measures available.
wait for the words/reports of the peace delegation sent to Dallas. Nor they incorporated
the views of the delegation committee members into the bylaws and in the
selection of nominating committee members. Interesting is that one of the
delegates, Abune Athnatios, made it clear that the decision made by the Synod
in Addis is simply unbelievable and vowed to oppose it in the strongest
measures available.
These are the facts on
the ground so far. They all point to a direction- to choose a patriarch. To me,
the synod has slammed its doors against some of the most sought virtues, peace
and unity. It is up to the entire church community to knock at their doors. If
they prefer to fall into a deep sleep, God would open the doors against their
will.
the ground so far. They all point to a direction- to choose a patriarch. To me,
the synod has slammed its doors against some of the most sought virtues, peace
and unity. It is up to the entire church community to knock at their doors. If
they prefer to fall into a deep sleep, God would open the doors against their
will.
What to Do
Shall we Christians and
all unity-lover Ethiopians keep silent? I believe in the power of a unified
‘struggle’. I believe that all Christians must have a good say when it comes to
EOTC’s big affairs. I believe that well-spirited efforts at various levels
would accrue good results. We have several weeks to go before they nominate and
elect another tomato-loving patriarch. To me, all the following are the stakeholders
who could bring down the ‘wall’ that stands between the two synods.
all unity-lover Ethiopians keep silent? I believe in the power of a unified
‘struggle’. I believe that all Christians must have a good say when it comes to
EOTC’s big affairs. I believe that well-spirited efforts at various levels
would accrue good results. We have several weeks to go before they nominate and
elect another tomato-loving patriarch. To me, all the following are the stakeholders
who could bring down the ‘wall’ that stands between the two synods.
Synod Members
There are several great
bishops who are fighting all the injustices taking place in the church. They
should intensify their struggle by bringing to their side the so-called neutral
bishops who prefer silence. They must also try to convince those bishops who support
choosing a patriarch now. They should stop collaborating with the nominating
committee and spread the injustice made to all concerned people by all means
available. Do not sign on minutes that facilitate, directly or indirectly, the
nomination and election of a patriarch. Persuade potential candidates to stand
for the unity of the church by rejecting their nominations. If the election
campaign is unabated, make media announcements and leave for monasteries. Also
crucial is for the peace and reconciliation delegation to stand united and to
demand the synod to forsake their decision. If no result comes out, announce
that to the public and retreat to our monasteries, to which you are near and
dear.
bishops who are fighting all the injustices taking place in the church. They
should intensify their struggle by bringing to their side the so-called neutral
bishops who prefer silence. They must also try to convince those bishops who support
choosing a patriarch now. They should stop collaborating with the nominating
committee and spread the injustice made to all concerned people by all means
available. Do not sign on minutes that facilitate, directly or indirectly, the
nomination and election of a patriarch. Persuade potential candidates to stand
for the unity of the church by rejecting their nominations. If the election
campaign is unabated, make media announcements and leave for monasteries. Also
crucial is for the peace and reconciliation delegation to stand united and to
demand the synod to forsake their decision. If no result comes out, announce
that to the public and retreat to our monasteries, to which you are near and
dear.
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee
must understand that their assignment will not ensure peace and unity-
something upon which the church itself is founded. They must turn down their
nominations and join the bishops that prioritize reconciliation. Do not let
yourself be part of the untidy heap.
must understand that their assignment will not ensure peace and unity-
something upon which the church itself is founded. They must turn down their
nominations and join the bishops that prioritize reconciliation. Do not let
yourself be part of the untidy heap.
Church Leaders and Parish Councils
Leaders and parish
councils of individual churches have a huge possibility to say “No” to this
unjust decision. In a way, these are, and not synod members, closer and dearer
to millions of Christians. They must reject invitations to collaborate with the
nominating committee. They must criticize in formal letters and meetings the
decision made by the synod and clearly show that they would not financially
contribute to the patriarchate if peace and unity are not given priority. They
should hold unity and peace as preconditions for financial support and
accountability. They should bring together preachers and associations for this
cause.
councils of individual churches have a huge possibility to say “No” to this
unjust decision. In a way, these are, and not synod members, closer and dearer
to millions of Christians. They must reject invitations to collaborate with the
nominating committee. They must criticize in formal letters and meetings the
decision made by the synod and clearly show that they would not financially
contribute to the patriarchate if peace and unity are not given priority. They
should hold unity and peace as preconditions for financial support and
accountability. They should bring together preachers and associations for this
cause.
Spiritual Associations and Preachers
There are several
associations within EOTC ‘premise’. This is the time when they and their
members should stand in clear defense of peace and unity. They should not
recognize the nominating committee and stop all sorts of support to the synod.
Preachers also have a huge opportunity to talk to thousands of Christians on a
daily basis. Out of sheer love for unity and peace, which the Gospel is all
about, they must create awareness among the masses. Serve God’s words and not
politically massaged words of some bishops.
associations within EOTC ‘premise’. This is the time when they and their
members should stand in clear defense of peace and unity. They should not
recognize the nominating committee and stop all sorts of support to the synod.
Preachers also have a huge opportunity to talk to thousands of Christians on a
daily basis. Out of sheer love for unity and peace, which the Gospel is all
about, they must create awareness among the masses. Serve God’s words and not
politically massaged words of some bishops.
Ordinary Christians
Actually, ordinary
Christians have a final power, the power to either reject or accept the
decision made. The problem is that nearly most Christians think that it is not
being spiritual to discuss with and/or confront the elderly including synod
members. Yes, we need to respect and collaborate with bishops at all times but
now. If the bishops behave wild, we must challenge them. If they compromise the
church’s mission and vision- peace and unity- we must hold them accountable.
For the million Christians, there is no any critical time to ‘fight’ injustice than
this one. There are a whole lot of strategies to use to oppose the decision.
Christians have a final power, the power to either reject or accept the
decision made. The problem is that nearly most Christians think that it is not
being spiritual to discuss with and/or confront the elderly including synod
members. Yes, we need to respect and collaborate with bishops at all times but
now. If the bishops behave wild, we must challenge them. If they compromise the
church’s mission and vision- peace and unity- we must hold them accountable.
For the million Christians, there is no any critical time to ‘fight’ injustice than
this one. There are a whole lot of strategies to use to oppose the decision.
v Continue individual and collective prayers
v Believe that opposing this decision is your God-given
and constitutional right
and constitutional right
v Believe that your say counts in the end
v Tell synod members in different ways/media that the
decision passed is not in the interest of the church and hence it will not be
accepted
decision passed is not in the interest of the church and hence it will not be
accepted
v Urge your parish councils to criticize the decision
and to stop collaborating with the synod until they solve their problems
and to stop collaborating with the synod until they solve their problems
v To collect petitions that oppose the decision and
deliver them to the synod
deliver them to the synod
v Threaten not to pay anything to the churches until the
synod brings unity
synod brings unity
v Support, morally and financially, those bishops and other
people who oppose the decision
people who oppose the decision
v Make entirely peaceful demonstrations just around the
patriarchate
patriarchate
v Do not listen to anybody who preaches the importance
of the decision passed
of the decision passed
v Do not question for a second your religion because of
the synod’s failure; leadership failure is not strictly speaking equal to
institutional failure
the synod’s failure; leadership failure is not strictly speaking equal to
institutional failure
v Look for ways of collaborating with Christians who
belong to the synod abroad
belong to the synod abroad
The Media
Local and Diaspora media
(websites, blogs, prints, and television and radio broadcasts) have a great
role to play. They should facilitate information sharing on daily basis.
Although the majority of Diaspora media are inaccessible to the average
Ethiopian back home, they could still influence millions. However, care must be
taken not to exploit the opportunity for political gains. The issue at hand is
about EOTC unity and peace and the immediate and most appropriate people to
be held accountable must be the synod members. They must defend the church from any
kind of pressure from everywhere. The government must be the least
important factor for us despite its interventionist role.
(websites, blogs, prints, and television and radio broadcasts) have a great
role to play. They should facilitate information sharing on daily basis.
Although the majority of Diaspora media are inaccessible to the average
Ethiopian back home, they could still influence millions. However, care must be
taken not to exploit the opportunity for political gains. The issue at hand is
about EOTC unity and peace and the immediate and most appropriate people to
be held accountable must be the synod members. They must defend the church from any
kind of pressure from everywhere. The government must be the least
important factor for us despite its interventionist role.
The Government
If I say that the government is not playing
behind the scene, they would make mockeries and mockeries out of me. And I do
not want to be such a person. Yes, we are having a government who is highly
interventionist although it publicizes the independence of religion and
government. My message to them is direct and simple. That your role at this
point in time is one and only one- just to ensure the security and safety of all
the bishops and the entire church community.
behind the scene, they would make mockeries and mockeries out of me. And I do
not want to be such a person. Yes, we are having a government who is highly
interventionist although it publicizes the independence of religion and
government. My message to them is direct and simple. That your role at this
point in time is one and only one- just to ensure the security and safety of all
the bishops and the entire church community.
The writer could be reached at teklu.abate@gmail.com and also blogs at http://tekluabate.blogspot.no/.