Letter on Dr. Getachew Haile’s piece

I just read your recent piece on the “unity of our church” posted on Ethiomedia. Yes we are all the followers of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo in the Diaspora or back home. The difference among churches in the diaspora is a result of ethnic politics for the last 21 years. There are those who are actively opposing Woyane ethnic politics, others pro Woyane and the so called neutrals also known as “Yegemerkute Bete Tselot”.

The death of Aba Gebremedhin was an opportunity missed to reconcile the Diaspora with the mother country church. One thing the anti Woyane diaspora Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo followers will not do is pray with Woyane selected bishops. We did not pray with the late Aba Gebremedhin and will not pray with the coming Woyane Bishop soon to be announced.

In your paper I was expecting to hear the role of believers from our 21 years of diaspora church experience, From interviews I heard on VOA some church leaders in Ethiopia believe that we the followers are “emente” irrelevant. The Ethiopian Muslims have shown Woyane for a year now that it is their role to establish Independent Muslim Council, is there a lesson to learn ? I hope so. How could we be silent when our ancient monasteries are bulldozed by Woyane ? How could be silent when the Waldiba monks are told to leave to their own ethnic home ? Are you indeed sure that “Bete Christanachene Altekefleechem’ ?

Respectfully,
Tedla Asfaw

New York City