Friday 21 December 2012

The EOTC Patriarchate: A Cause for Division


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.

The synod in exile, Google picture

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. 

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.

The synod in Ethiopia, Google picture

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. 
                                              The EOTC Patriarchate, Google picture

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.   

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!

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. 

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.  

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.   

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.
  • Continue individual and collective prayers 
  • Believe that opposing this decision is your God-given and constitutional right
  • Believe that your say counts in the end 
  • 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
  • Urge your parish councils to criticize the decision and to stop collaborating with the synod until they solve their problems
  • To collect petitions that oppose the decision and deliver them to the synod 
  • Threaten not to pay anything to the churches until the synod brings unity
  • Support, morally and financially, those bishops and other people who oppose the decision
  • Make entirely peaceful demonstrations just around the patriarchate
  • Do not listen to anybody who preaches the importance of the decision passed 
  • Do not question for a second your religion because of the synod’s failure; leadership failure is not strictly speaking equal to institutional failure
  • Look for ways of collaborating with Christians who 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.  

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. 
     

18 comments:

  1. It is a very important write up both in content and fact. You had suggested the way forward too. I appreciate your kind and dedicated contribution to find a solution to our ancient church.
    God bless you brother! I would like to say Happy Christmas to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a timely and workable strategy. It is strongly recommended to translate this extremely important message into Amharic and share it with all available media outlets for wide dissemination. Those who may not know English including members of the two synods (in Ethiopia and the Diaspora), the clergy in all parish churches, the millions of followers of the Church and all citizens of Ethiopia will be able to understand the message and act on it in concert.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice response in return of this query with firm arguments and explaining everything on the topic of that.
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  4. I sincerely appreciate writer Tekle Abate for his summary of observation and his genuine and simle recommendation. Yes, despite the fact that those senior and top religious leaders of both sides know very well that the Church has been a very great mess for the last twenty years, and contiuned to go even more troubling, they need to be told critically but respetfully that they are the ones who are responsible for the suffering of the followers of the Church from severe lack of religious leadreship that could deliver a real sense of spiritual satisfaction. Needless to say that although the EOTC has never been free either from political manipulation (before the military regime) or manipulation political and attack ( the derg and TPLF) , the “Abatoch ” never escape the very ugly mess .

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  5. Please why you want to fight the development of the country through different corners. Why you don´t like people to eat, drink clean water and get good shelter. This is the business we have today. Why don´t add something to this.
    Ya,peace is important at all spheres of activities, let alone in our bielf. Therefore, I understand your concern and I share it. But what we should identify is who are the people creating the problem. As to me still, the Diaspora people are the cornerstone of the problem. We should not give them the stick to blow us.

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  6. Hello Ato Teklu.
    It is timely, thoutful and matured. Although the situation in our church (and frankely in our country) seems to be one which is hopelessly and irreversibly damaged, yours is the kind of measure that is needed.

    Thank you.

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  7. We have to stand up together for our Unity,we have to stand to save our church beside our prayer.......Let God help us.

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  8. This idea definitely need to implemented for for God sake.

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  9. Peace & Unity is optionless option. Only One TEWAHDO! We don't need another 20 years divsion. Few individuals do not have final say;the decission reflects just personal interest. We have to straignten what has been fractured. More than 40 million Christians have the spiritual right to create Peaceful and Unified church. Right time to speak out against wrong doers!!!

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  10. THE ONLY SOLUTION May peace be with you i think the root cause of the problem is satan by.
    creating racial hate between two maine races who originally are the first to become eotc in Ethiopia the people from Tigray and the people from Gonder these two differing ethiopian races are now competing if they continue hating each other the prolem can't find a solution so long the two are are rivalerly like world politics for the sake of restoring unity in the church one should accept the other to be back to the position of the patriarch, for the last 21 years Axumite people were in the position now let the people from Gonder take the position and work together, after all they are all human beings they sholud forgive each other they should be good example to others in religious tolerance both the the Tigryans and Gonders paid a lot of sacrifice for the religion of eotc as we know in the history books in the past, respect each other both the tigraina and gonders are the original owners of the religion more than any ethiopian for the sake of unity and peace they should accept each other this is the only solution may god bless Ethiopia the mother of all.

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  17. You said "In principle, they should not have allowed the division of the synod in the first place." I agree with you. Twenty or so years ago when the ETOC picked the late patriarch, the ones in diaspora should never have a created their own group no matter how wronged they felt at the time. If the ones in diaspora were so concerned about division of the Orthodox people of Ethiopia, they should have raised their voices and should have let the pepole be the judges. But due to their selfish nature they went ahead and created their group and look we have two synods that have devided the great people of in Ethiopia not only for the past 20 yrs but for potentially for the generations to come. I am not saying the ETOC is not at fault but i am also letting you know that if the one in diaspora had not been selfish to start with, we would never had this division and the shameful mess that we are in now.

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