According to the census report of 2007, 43.5% of Ethiopian people are Orthodox Christians, 18.6% are protestants (includes different denominations), 0.7 % are Catholics, 33.9% are Muslims, 2.6% are Animist, and 0.7% are others. This percentage constitutes, roughly around 74 million total population. his interesting census result shows how religion in Ethiopia is diverse and it is the testament to the quality and tolerance of Ethiopian people to co-exist together while loving and understanding one another. Some of the great memories I have as a child was celebrating colorful Orthodox religious holidays and also sharing the happiness of my Muslim friends in their holidays. I believe the world will learn a lot about tolerance from Ethiopia. I know in some areas of the country Churches and Mosques share the same ground.
Even in the capital of Ethiopia, The great Anwar Mosque is just walking distance from St Raguel church and in fridays muslims and Christians share prayers in just a walking distance.
All the above mentioned examples show the way religions coexist in Ethiopia and they are not happened because the country is just blessed, but it took a thoughtful teaching and understanding of one's right to worship and the way leaders respected each other taught other's to do the same. For that the credit goes to the leaders of the religious groups.
But, All of this is in danger now. Ethiopians are now seems to follow the international trend of extremism. See the attached video.
We need to refrain from disrespecting one another. We need to locate a fringe subjects among us and correct them. In a country like Ethiopia, with all the divers religions, this fringe subjects can easily start a religious war and that is something we all dread. It is simple to incite violence but not simple to clam them down.
Pay attention and love one another. Understand that your truth is not others truth and it is ok. Respect your fellow citizens right to worship what they want.
Peace
No comments:
Post a Comment