Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The World Council of Churches (WCC) has condemned the recent attack in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone that left multiple people dead, including at least 20 believed to be members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
In a pastoral letter addressed to the church leadership, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sorrow, solidarity, and prayers for the victims and their families.
“This senseless loss of life is a painful reminder of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for reconciliation and the protection of all communities,” Pillay wrote. “We stand in solidarity with you in this time of mourning, and we lift up in prayer all those impacted by this violence, asking the Lord to grant them comfort, healing, and strength.”
The WCC leader strongly condemned all acts of violence and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting peace, justice, and harmony in Ethiopia.
“We pray for wisdom and courage for leaders at all levels to address the root causes of conflict, to promote dialogue, and to ensure the protection of human life and dignity,” Pillay noted.
He further assured the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church of the WCC’s continued pastoral support during what he described as a grievous moment for the church and the nation.
“In this time of mourning and pain, the WCC stands in unwavering solidarity with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and with all the people of Ethiopia,” he added, extending prayers for courage, compassion, and lasting peace.
The attack comes amid ongoing concerns about communal violence in parts of Ethiopia, with religious leaders and international bodies urging renewed efforts toward national reconciliation.
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