Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Oct 18, 2016 / 05:32 am
Religious leaders in Ethiopia have joined together to plead for peace amid ongoing protests that have sometimes resulted in deadly violence.
"We the religious leaders of Ethiopia firmly believe that peace is a priceless grace from God. It is possible to worship with a calm spirit only when there is sustainable peace," the leaders of the Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia said. "We Ethiopians have lived together through the ages sharing our joys and griefs, problems and challenges; and we are still practicing the same values."
The Catholic Church in Ethiopia is represented on the interreligious council. Its statement was published by the Catholic News Agency for Africa.
The interreligious leaders called on people of different religions to accept each other with mutual respect, forgiveness and mercy and unite for peace. They asked Ethiopians to "look at your fellow Ethiopians as brothers and sisters, to repent of hatred and chaos and present all your concerns peacefully."