Separated Mekane Yesus Churches declare their Unification

Rev. Ayalew Tesema, President of Addis Ababa and Surrounding Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (AASECMY) at the final joint reconciliation conference that was organized on national level and held at Mekane Yesus Seminary compound, in Addis Ababa on January 17, 2010 has declared the re-unification of his Church (AASECMY) with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the mother Church of the congregations those separated from EECMY and formed AASECMY.

Altogether, it is estimated that some 15,000 persons, including Church leaders, members of Church Council, Guests from various Government ministries, representatives of Mission partners, representatives of sister Churches and participants that came from the congregations of the 21 synods and two Work Areas of the Church attended this reconciliation conference which is the first of its kind in the history of the EECMY. Many participants said, the event is a sign that is indicating God is turning his eyes to EECMY and stretching his blessing hands to her field of services.

The presence and address to the conference of Ambassador Toshome Toga Speaker of the House of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) had a significant impact on the image and content of the Conference. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to take part at the reconciliation conference. He noted that human is not perfect and hence there could be misunderstanding between human always. But the weakness, he said is lacking ability to solve or clear the misunderstanding. The Speaker of the House of FDRE, Ambassador Teshome Toga congratulated the leaders and the members of the two Churches for the achievement and wished success for the future work of the united one Church.

Rev. Ayalew noted that reconciliation process was tough that took long time, over 13 years and consumed precious resources in both churches which should have been used for the extension of the kingdom of God. He expressed his regret and disappointment underlining that the matter which should have not taken so long time, has come this far owing to the weakness of the 'leaders' of the time to handle the misunderstanding that was created.

AASECMY which was formed as a separate Church by the congregations of Central Ethiopia Synod of EECMY, that separated from the Synod owing to the misunderstanding created in connection with the decision of EECMY Executive Committee regarding the language use in the congregations in Addis Ababa has been in function for the last 14 years.

Rev. Dr. Waksiyum Idosa, President of EECMY on behalf of the EECMY leadership and the 5.3 million members of EECMY expressed thanks and praise to God for bringing EECMY and AASECMY members to the reconciliation and unification date. He said God interfered and came with a final solution when human effort was exhausted and came to an end. Extensive efforts have been exerted at different levels by different parties starting from the grass root up to the state Palace but could not bring this day of reconciliation. God the almighty made it in His time, he added.

Rev. Dr. Wakesiyum acknowledged all those involved in the process of reconciliation in one or the other way by expressing appreciation to all of them indicating them individually and in groups. In particular, Rev. Dr. Wakesiyum underlined the tiresome effort of eight members of EECMY in Diaspora in the United State of America who organized themselves into a team of reconciliation that named itself Ministers of Reconciliation and Unification (MRU). He said that God made this team a cause for the finalization of the reconciliation that is being celebrated.

The president expressed appreciation to the contributions of Ethiopian Government via former President of the country his Excellence Dr. Negaso Gidada, Mission Partners, Ministry of Justice, EFCE leaders, leaders of Addis Ababa Mekane Yesus Congregation and individuals extensively involved in the reconciliation in one or the other way in a given time. The president did also acknowledge the tiresome work of Reconciliation and Union Committee (RUC) which is formed by the two churches on a national level and carried out the Reconciliation process up until the Unification of the two Churches. The president also appreciated the commitment of RUC indicating that its members unreservedly invested their time, skills and experiences in the reconciliation work.

Meanwhile, representatives of both MRU and RUC presented reports on the process of reconciliation that is undertaken by each of them. Rev.Dr. Eshetu Abate spoke about the effort of MRU while Ato Dereje Asmare spoke of the effort of RUC in the process of reconciliation. Both speakers underlined that reconciliation process gave them the opportunity to witness the miraculous hands of the Lord that helped them in their effort to come this far. They also expressed appreciation to all those who gave them the required support on their way up to the final success which is re-unification of the two churches.

Ato Mulatu Belachew, Board Chairperson of the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches of Ethiopia (FECE) in his congratulatory remark on the occasion said that the event is not only historic for the EECMY but for the entire members of FECE. He noted that the problem has been of concern to EFCE members, because EECMY has been a shelter and umbrella to all denominations during the hard times under the Marxist rule. Hence he added, most of them have been actively involved in the reconciliation process in different ways and particular in prayer and will be happy to share the joy of the day. Ato Mulatu further went on and said that the event being celebrated is an exemplary experience for all other denominations in Ethiopia and elsewhere in indicating and confirming the importance of reconciliation that is accomplished on the basis of the scripture.

Rev Dr. Gemechis Desta of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, USA and Dr. Desta Langana Principal of Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) preached at the conference. The approaches of the preaching of both were highly inspiring to which many participants said they are timely to be listened and motivating. Many participants praised God for the services of the two ministers as well as of the occasion.

Written by: Shibru Galla

 Source:- EECMY