WCC statement on killings of Christians in Oromia

WCC statement on killings of Christians in Oromia

msc

Tue, 10/27/2026 - 17:07

The World Council of Churches (WCC) joins Ethiopian church leaders in crying out to the Government of Ethiopia to protect Christians and other communities in the Oromia region from armed attack. An increasing number of deadly attacks in the region have especially targeted communities of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), in a wave of violence that appears to be both ethnic and religious in nature.

In the most recent attacks, EOTC representatives have reported more than 60 Christians killed – including children – and 20 houses burnt. Many members of the affected communities have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence and insecurity.

The first duty of any government is to protect its people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or other characteristic. We call urgently on the Ethiopian Government to fulfil this duty, to provide all needed support to the displaced and affected communities, to prevent further attacks, and to bring those responsible to justice.

We invite all WCC member churches to engage in Christian solidarity actions in support of the…