The sanctuary of the Gatira congregation in Ethiopia was destroyed by fire. Photo: EECMY
In wake of attacks, General Secretary Burghardt says churches are sacred spaces that must be honored and protected
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt has sent a pastoral letter, expressing solidarity with the church in Ethiopia, where homes and a congregation have been targeted in recent attacks.
“It is with profound grief,” the LWF leader says, that we have received news of the attack on the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, “where the worship sanctuary of the Gatira congregation was destroyed by fire, faithful members subjected to brutal violence, their possessions stolen and homes desecrated. Such actions strike at the very heart of our shared humanity and faith.”
In the letter, Burghardt joins the leadership of the Ethiopian church in calling on local authorities to “identify and bring to justice those responsible for these criminal acts and for appropriate restitution for those who have suffered loss.”
Churches and worship rooms [....] are sanctuaries of peace in troubled times. They must be honored and protected.
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt
She also praises the “transformative ministry of the EECMY and its tireless work for peace, human dignity and service throughout Ethiopia.” This history of witness, she says, “makes this violation even more grievous, yet also strengthens our confidence in the resilience of your communities.”
In her letter to EECMY President Rev. Dr Yonas Dibisa, Burghardt insists that “churches and worship rooms are sacred spaces where communities of faith gather for worship and witness. They are sanctuaries of peace in troubled times. They must be honored and protected.”
Assuring the church in Ethiopia of the prayers of the worldwide LWF communion, she concludes with the hope that the Gatira congregation and all affected by the recent violence may “find a path towards healing and security [....] and may their testimony of faith, despite persecution, become a witness that transforms hearts.”
