Unarguably, religious institutions have an incalculable role in terms of shaping citizens in the right ethical and moral values that are crucial to living in harmony and fostering a sense of solidarity and belongingness among diverse communities.
Especially, because religious leaders are the most respected and trusted figures and have the power to influence attitudes, opinions, and behaviors, their contribution to nurturing positive values among their faith communities is inimitable. They shape social values in line with faith-based teachings.
Thus, religious institutions and religious leaders are always seen as agents of peace, unity and development.
The case is not different in Ethiopia. Religious institutions have been and are still playing an important role in sustaining peace, fraternity, and unity among their devotees and beyond, adhering to their religious teachings – religious values and principles.
Recently, following this rainy season, Ethiopian religious institutions have reaffirmed their firm commitment to play part in shaping the young people with the right moral values and principles, be morally educated, and let them strive for peace and solidarity.
In an exclusive interview ENA held with religious leaders of different institutions, the leaders said that they are working to let citizens play their part in the success of the national dialogue effort that Ethiopia has already embarked on.
They said that, during this rainy season, they are teaching young people and children to develop a solid moral character and integrity refraining from undesirable activities.
Religious Father in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Melake Birhan Mulat Kebebe said that religious institutions are the breeding ground for well-mannered citizens.
Owing to this, the church, through all its structures, is working to educate young people and children so that they can become morally and ethically equipped citizens who value peace, togetherness, and solidarity.
Apart from religious education, during this summer season, youths and children are being taught in both Sunday schools and regular church programs; they are being taught about solidarity and patriotism, he added.
Islamic teacher Haji Ahmed Harun on his part said that in this rainy season, the work of teaching young people to respect their parents and elders, to become patriotic and well-mannered citizens is being carried out on a large scale.
Father of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, Father Haile Gabriel Melequ (PhD.); on his part said that the youth are the foundation of the country as they comprise the largest number of the Ethiopian population.
In this regard, in these rainy months, a good personality-building religious education is given to the youth and children to create a more disciplined and ethical generation that is keen to actively participate in volunteer work.
“We are working to create a morally educated generation that actively participates in volunteer works,” he reiterated.
On the other hand, the national dialogue effort will create an opportunity for Ethiopians to work together for the peace and security of the country by providing solutions to their problems in a civilized manner, through peaceful discussion.
To this end, religious fathers will play their part in letting citizens play a constructive role in the success of the National Dialogue process, he reaffirmed.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 10 AUGUST 2024
