ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed held discussion with around 400 leaders of protestant churches on national issues and other topics relating to unity among the laity at his office yesterday.
At the event, the premier stressed as leaders ought to set examples to followers particularly on unity and hard work leaving aside trivial differences.
Love, truth and are in abundance at the foot of the mountain, there is only bone chilling wind at the top, he said speaking in metaphor as leaders need to get close to the people.
He said the leaders have responsibility in guiding the people with ethics and virtues.
Commenting on the Separation of State and Religion that is made constitutional, he said despite the provision, there is no guideline which details this same issue. He noted that both the state and religion targets are improving the lives of the people; hence, their separation ought not to be seen as they lack common ground to work together.
Participants commended as it was a great opportunity to sit together with top leader of the country. One participant said, “We get this chance after six decades.”
The leaders raised various concerns relating to unity among the leaders of churches. Moreover, rights issues including registration and licensing of churches and the right to get land for graveyard were at the crux of their discussion.
Later in the day, the Office of the Prime Minister at its Facebook site announced as “a committee of 15 members was formed to strengthen the unity between the church and the laity and come up with solutions for internal challenges.”
The Ethiopian Herald June 21/2019
BY WORKU BELACHEW
