 new album Etorica, certain self-proclaimed “prophets” and “apostles” had already aligned themselves with Abiy Ahmed Ali..){kind=link}
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
By Nebiyu Eliyas
Long before the release of Tewodros Kassahun’s (Teddy Afro) new album Etorica, certain self-proclaimed “prophets” and “apostles” had already aligned themselves with Abiy Ahmed Ali’s Prosperity Party government. These individuals, who have given themselves these titles, took the opportunity to seek attention by openly criticizing the artist. If they had done this solely through their personal social media, that would have been their right. However, they used their gatherings as platforms and, in the name of the Church of God, spoke as if they were opposing worldly music. In reality, their message was not primarily about music; it was a show of loyalty to Abiy Ahmed Ali, under whose leadership they have flourished. Both are examples of what can go wrong in a nation, or in a church. They preach prosperity gospel and are highly focused on manipulating their respective audiences. Birds of the same feather fly together. Thus, when Teddy challenges the state, he is not only confronting Abiy Ahmed, but also indirectly challenging these false preachers, teachers, prophets and Apostles.
The false ministers are rumored to be financially exploiting their members. Numerous pieces of evidence supporting these accusations have been shared across traditional and social media. These attention seekers have managed to deceive parts of the Christian community by heavily investing in promotion and producing highly edited, misleading messages. That is the strategy which is copied by Abiy Ahmed Ali too. They all work hard to be perceived as the real deal. But they are actors who have nothing to do with the life of true Christianity. They lack genuine spiritual life, yet they are skilled performers who use deceptive, almost witchcraft-like tactics to attract those who are not grounded in the true gospel. Like empty clouds that promise much but deliver little, they are all deceptive forces, and have managed to infiltrate the mainstream evangelical community, which has historically held a good reputation among many Ethiopians and is often nicknamed “Yediro Pente.” Abiy has helped them by including them in the new council, which is under his direct control. They are desperate for him to remain in power; otherwise, they know that the coming season will not favor them.
The aim of this piece is to shed light on the truth: Not all evangelicals are supporters of Abiy Ahmed. In particular, most of the mainstream denominations are not his fans, except for a few individuals who directly benefit from him. In fact, many Protestant brothers and sisters in Wellega have endured immense suffering since Abiy came to power. Like many others, some evangelicals initially supported him when he first came to power, as he made bold promises and presented himself in a hopeful light. Some even gave him the benefit of the doubt until recently, wanting to give him a fair chance. However, many evangelicals now believe they have seen his true character. They are aware that even evil can appear disguised as light, and that a wolf can come in sheep’s clothing. They feel they have witnessed this firsthand. They believe that a true disciple of Jesus Christ is recognized by the fruits of their life.
From these perspectives, Abiy Ahmed Ali has been associated with widespread violence and conflict, including the wars in Wellega, Tigray, and the ongoing one in the Amhara region. Many believe he has fostered division among communities in Oromia, Tigray, Amhara, and beyond. They see him as pursuing war and bloodshed and contributing to the suffering of ordinary people, including through policies such as corridor development. Most importantly, they feel he is contributing to the gradual destruction of the nation. They perceive a stark contrast between his public image as a peaceful leader through the highly invested propaganda media and social media, and what they view as violent and unforgiving actions. They also see him as unfaithful to close allies, including Lemma Megersa, Gedu Andargachew (Dr.) and so on, the former presidents of the Oromia and Amhara Regions, respectively. Additionally, they criticize him for prioritizing the UAE over his own country, citing his support for UAE leaders and his use of the nation’s plane to travel there in the midst of an active war. Given these concerns, many evangelicals believe they cannot continue to support him, as they see his actions as inconsistent with Christian values.
They are not openly opposing him because their faith teaches them to pray for leaders, even to rulers like Nero in the Roman Empire. However, their concern is that many figures within Abiy Ahmed’s circle, including Adanech Abebe and Shimelis Abdisa, also profess to be evangelicals. There is a fear that, if Abiy’s power declines, this could lead to tensions or even persecution affecting Christians in the near future. Otherwise, many are deeply dissatisfied with his leadership at the helm of the country. They are praying for God’s intervention. Some who have preached or spoken out against him have reportedly faced persecution from his associates. There is also a perception that Abiy seeks to bring these communities under his control, similar to how he consolidated authority in the Oromia region.
To true evangelical believers
It is time to call a spade a spade. It is time to openly confront injustice and falsehood. It is time to come to your senses and preach the true Word of God. Do not stand with one who inflicts suffering and agony on his own people while allying with darkness to shed blood across the land. Do not stand with an evildoer who works day and night to turn people against one another, one group fighting another, brothers betraying and destroying brothers. As you know, God can speak to you in many ways. When will you say enough is enough with this madness? Why remain silent while this wicked soul seeks to destroy and disintegrate the country? It is time to wake from deep sleep. It is time to see clearly and speak the truth. It is time for the true believers of God to reject this wicked soul. There is time for everything, and it is time to reject this wicked man as a leader of the country.
To all Ethiopians
Please forgive us for these people who have come in our name and flooded social media in support of Abiy Ahmed Ali in his wicked actions. For these individuals, the civilians who are killed daily in rural areas mean nothing. The hardship of every citizen right now is nothing as they cheat and gather a lot from people. The farmers who feed the country are constantly bombed by drones. These farmers, who live without electricity or running water, who have sustained the land for centuries, are now being targeted by modern drones. Nowadays, they must always watch the sky in fear that a demon-like structure might destroy them instantly. This is ordered personally by Abiy Ahmed Ali. For these false preachers, this is of no concern. Abiy designs several wars. These false preachers and teachers remain silent on this. But we, the majority of Christians, do not support such evildoers. It is well known in our community that they are prosperity gospel preachers and heretics. It is only Abiy Ahmed Ali who has given them a free ride across the country. Please discern and separate the majority of Protestant believers from these heretic, soulless individuals. We pray that God will deliver the country from both Abiy Ahmed and all these wicked souls. May God save the people of Ethiopia!
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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I wish we all stay away from targeting religions or specific denominations in any religion. This author is also trying very hard to remind us PM Abiy’s full name including his grandfather’s name. He keeps using Abiy Ahmed Ali. Is he trying to bring to our attention that PM Abiy was/could still be a Muslim through and through his dad and grandpa? I’ve read the fate of Emperor Iyasu in the history book authored by one of my favorite historians Professor Bahru Zewde. That innocent Emperor was toppled on unfounded accusation that he had converted to Islam. That was in 1916 more than a century ago. This author is telling us ‘Look, Abiy is born to a Muslim and he is not eligible to be a Prime Minister’. This is reckless and extremely dangerous. I have been urging some among us in our Diaspora to stay away from attacking religions or denominations with any religion. That is the last burning ember in the raging fire that country needs.
It is my understanding that there are more than a million Ethiopians inside and outside that country who profess Christianity as Protestants including the Pentecostal sects who are a minority living among the Muslim and Orthodox Christian majority. Targeting them with such demonizing diatribe will put them at a greater risk. We should all remember that there are many gullible individuals in any given society who do not possess the sophistication to look through what they hear or read by others. They can be easily incited and harm innocent others. We all remember what happened when some individuals blabbered with ‘Neftegna’ this and ‘Ethiopia, Out of Oromia!’ that and ‘Woyane’ this and ‘Oromummaa’ that. Watch your language!
Peace to all,
The guide for Christians is the Holy Bible, which clearly teaches the distinction between when Christians should participate and when they should refrain from involvement in matters related to rulers, politics, and government (Micah 3:1–4, Proverbs 29:12, Romans 13). However, obedience to government authorities should only go as far as it does not conflict with our Christian faith. As Christians, we must separate ourselves from evil, greed, and any abuse of humanity by political leaders, past or present.
Ethiopian evangelicals have a great legacy of standing for justice, as seen in the past when the Evangelical Mekane Yesus Church advocated for land rights for tenants, equality for women, and fairness for all Ethiopian people.
The current trend among some Ethiopian evangelicals is becoming increasingly troubling because of false teachings, especially from certain modern faith-movement teachers such as Kenneth Hagin and others, whose followers include wealthy individuals promoting money-centered deception.
When it comes to politics, traditional evangelicals were once advocates for civil rights, the abolition of colonialism, and the end of slavery. Later, however, some influential preachers such as Billy Graham formed alliances with corrupt political leaders like Richard Nixon. Some argue that this pattern has continued in modern times. The involvement of Franklin Graham in supporting the deportation of immigrants, criticizing advocates such as Rene Good, and his recent conference visit to Ethiopia, for example, drew criticism from some traditional evangelicals.
Regarding the alignment of certain evangelicals with the current Prosperity Party and government, critics say Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has demonstrated double standards. They believe he has used religious and ethnic divisions while hiding political intentions through selected allies from both Orthodox and evangelical circles.
I support the writer’s concern that Ethiopians, especially the Amhara people and political leaders, should not confuse all Ethiopian evangelicals with the actions of those aligned with the current ruling party or corrupt interests. Public criticism of respected national figures such as singer Teddy Afro and gospel icon Dr. Dereje Kebede has also caused concern.
Let us stand together for a united Ethiopia that stretches her hands to the Lord (Psalm 68:31) and overcomes all enemies.
Pastor Degone Moretew