Ethiopia’s Bishop of Bahir Dar-Dessie Appeals for Prayer, Rejection of Violence amid Renewed Fighting

Bishop Lisane-Christos Matheos Semahun of the Eparchy of Bahir Dar-Dessie is calling on people to reject violence and pray for peace following renewed fighting in parts of Ethiopia. In a pastoral letter dated October 3, the bishop expressed sadness over the conflict and its impact on those facing displacement, insecurity, and loss within his diocese.

The eparchy covers areas in the Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Afar regions. Bishop Lisane-Christos stated that he is not writing to judge any specific group or party but is appealing to all people of goodwill to choose compassion and wisdom over hatred. He urged his community to turn to God for mercy and to support efforts to establish peace.