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The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, and Abune Mathias, patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, affirmed their commitment in Addis Ababa to “continue working together to accomplish visions for justice and peace”.
Both leaders met in the Ethiopian capital on 26 April, where they discussed concerns of the African churches and ways of extending ecumenical work in the region.
Tveit’s visit to Ethiopia followed Abune Mathias’s enthronement in March as the 6th patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, a founding member of the WCC.
Abune Mathias expressed appreciation for the WCC’s support of the Ethiopian churches, especially in their work on the issues of HIV and AIDS, development and human rights.
“Your visit is significant for our churches. We are committed to continue working with you to accomplish a shared ecumenical vision for justice and peace,” said Abune Mathias.
Tveit congratulated Abune Mathias on his enthronement as the new patriarch, saying, “We offer our prayers for your ministry and the great task ahead of you in leading a church with extremely rich history and a profound engagement in the ecumenical movement,” Tveit said.
“We hope to continue working with you when you serve your people and communities.”
Tveit also introduced the theme of the WCC’s upcoming 10th Assembly, “God of life, lead us to justice and peace”, in his meeting. He said that events like the WCC assembly and this year’s assembly of the All Africa Council of Churches in Uganda are opportunities to further strengthen relationships among the churches and contribute to efforts towards just peace.
The WCC assembly will take place in Busan, Republic of Korea from 30 October to 8 November.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church website
WCC member churches in Ethiopia
Follow WCC general secretary on Twitter @OlavTveit
