Orthodox Christians face rising persecution in Ethiopia as attacks spread across Oromia region
Christians in Ethiopia are facing increasing persecution, particularly in the state of Oromia. In October alone, the region saw more than 25 Orthodox Christians killed in its East Arsi Zone. One attack in Honqolo Wabe (Siltana) Woreda left five people dead, reportedly from the same family. Another saw the historic hilltop Asebot Monastery attacked, leaving one Orthodox Christian killed and his son seriously injured. A similar rise in persecution has also affected the Catholic community, prompting the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia to issue a statement condemning the violence and calling on the government to take urgent measures to protect citizens. The bishops noted that “Catholics have died and property has been burnt” in an attack near St Mary’s Catholic Church in West Hararghe. They added: “Our Church strongly condemns this kind of inhuman act. Therefore, our Church calls upon the government to do the necessary law enforcement work to ensure the peace and security of...