Christians in Ethiopian Town Hit by Unexpected Attack
April 15, 2010
Posted by
The Voice of the Martyrs
Categories
Orthodox church members strike two
evangelical worship buildings, beat evangelist unconscious.
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 15 (CDN) — Evangelical Christians in an area of Ethiopia unaccustomed to anti-Christian hostility have come under attack from Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) members threatened by their existence, Christian leaders said.
In Olenkomi, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of the Ethiopian
capital of Addis Ababa, two church buildings were attacked by an EOC mob
in Olenkomi town, Oromia Region, on Jan. 27 – leaving one evangelist
unconscious and other Christians fearful of Orthodox hostility. Area
Christians fear the assailants will not face justice due to the EOC’s
powerful presence and impending elections.
A Mekane Yesus Church building was destroyed in the assault, while a Brethren Church structure suffered damages.
Attacks against evangelicals in the area are rare, but recently Christians have come under immense pressure as they face isolation and verbal threats, church leaders said. Located in the West Shoa Zone of Oromia Region, Olenkomi is a small town where most people there and in surrounding areas belong to the EOC. All officials in government are EOC members, and evangelical Christians encounter difficulties obtaining land for church buildings, church leaders said. Continue reading at Compass Direct.