Persecution of Orthodox Tewahedo Christianity

The persecution of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church has been surging over centuries.[1] The church has encountered significant challenges throughout its history. Historically, notable persecutions attributed during Yodit Gudit era in 980, Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi invasion of Ethiopian Empire during the Ethiopian-Adal War (1529–1542) and the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1936–1941). Still, the church faces significant persecutions where many Christians are killed by government forces and churches are burnt amidst political crisis. During the tension between Ethiopian Orthodox and the illegal Oromia synod, three people killed after unknown assailants opened fire in Shashamane in Oromia on 2 February 2023. According to witness, the Oromia police was the perpetrator of the attack. It is observed during Axum massacre in the Tigray War where 750 people reportedly killed in Axum Tsion feast day celebrated on 30 November.[2][3][4]

  1. ^ Insight, Addis (2023-02-15). "The Persecution of Ethiopian Orthodox Church Followers: A Comparison to Jewish Persecution Throughout History". Addis Insight. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
  2. ^ CNA. "Ethiopia massacre: Hundreds of Christians reportedly dead at Oriental Orthodox church". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  3. ^ "Were 750 Christians Really Massacred? The Truth About Ethiopia's Recent Crisis". Religion Unplugged. 2021-02-10. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  4. ^ "Massacre 'of 750' reported in Aksum church complex, Tigray, Ethiopia". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-09-04.