An Ethiopian Interfaith Organization and the Church Link Arms

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On Monday, November 25, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that supports unity and community support.

Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, president of the Central Africa Area, signed on behalf of the Church, while Tiguhan Kesis Tagay Tadele, secretary-general of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, signed on behalf of the IRCE.

Also among those at the event were Ambassador Mussie Hailu of the United Religions Initiative in Africa and President Oliva and Sister Rebecca Cowley, leaders of the Addis Ababa Mission in Ethiopia of the Church of Jesus Christ.

The MoU formalizes the relationship between the IRCE and the Church in Ethiopia in the areas of interfaith unity and disaster management. It also provides a broad framework for cooperation and engagement between the two organizations to support communities in need.

Tadele expressed optimism about the initiative, hoping it would promote peace, conflict resolution and collaboration for the benefit of humanity:

“For The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE), I hope this initiative will help bring peace, resolve conflicts and foster greater collaboration for the benefit of humanity.”

Hailu, who is also the regional director for Africa and a representative to the African Union, emphasized the importance of the agreement. He highlighted the need for different religious communities to work together on common issues, promoting compassion, peaceful coexistence and respect for universal ethical principles.

“This is the right time for us to lead by example,” Hailu said. “We are not talking about doctrine; we are talking about how different religious communities can come together to serve the community and bring a moral and spiritual dimension to society. It is a great honor to witness this partnership. The African Union recognizes the role of religious leaders and faith-based organizations in achieving the Africa we want — peaceful, united and prosperous, as envisioned in Agenda 2060. Once again, it embodies the spirit of Ubuntu: ‘I am because we are.’”

Elder Mutombo expressed his enthusiasm about participating in the IRCE. He underscored the importance of shared values among different faiths. “What we have in common with other faiths is far more important than our differences. Together, we hope to make a difference in the lives of others,” he said.