Ethiopia Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
Worshipers dressed in whiteshammas attend a service
at Holy Trinity Cathedral i Addis Ababa.
Courtesy World Vision (Bruce Brander)
John Markakis has remarked of Ethiopia that "the dominant
element in this culture and its major distinguishing feature
is the Christian religion." Yet almost all of the analysis
of Orthodox Christianity as practiced by Ethiopians has
focused on the Amhara and Tigray. The meaning of that
religion for the Oromo and others is not clear. For some
Oromo who achieved significant political power in Amhara
kingdoms in the eighteenth century and after, adherence to
Christianity seemed to be motivated by nothing more than
expediency.
By the mid-twentieth century, some educated Amhara and
Tigray had developed skepticism, not so much of doctrine--
although that also occurred--as of the church's political
and economic role. They had developed similar feelings
toward the clergy, most of whom were poorly educated.
Nevertheless, the effects of the church's disestablishment
and of the continuing social upheaval and political
repression impelled many Ethiopians to turn to religion for
solace.
Data as of 1991
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