EOTC Holy Synod condemn ‘Western influence on homosexuality’, calls for government resistance

 

The Permanent Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church published a statement yesterday condemning Western nations' attempts to "advance homosexuality and same-sex relationships" in Ethiopia "through implicit political and economic pressure."

 

The synod strongly exhorted the Ethiopian government to reject any agreements or influences that favor homosexuality.

 

"It is apparent that certain Western countries have incorporated these practices into their laws and social norms, deeming them justifiable elements of inclusivity and equality," the statement went on to say. "Concurrently, they are exerting continuous pressure on African and Eastern nations that steadfastly oppose such practices, with the aim of eventual conformity."

 

The religious leadership expressed concern that foreign governments and organizations may be using routine diplomatic, trade, or development agreements to "promote the normalization of homosexuality" in Ethiopian culture.

 

"According to media and other sources, homosexuality and related activities are implicitly integrated into trade, political, economic, justice, and humanitarian relations through the formulation and implementation of agreements," the statement went on to say. "This requires urgent investigation."

 

Although no specific agreements were mentioned, the synod suggested that objectionable terms could include approvals of "sexual education curricula," "sex reassignment surgery," or the promotion of "same-sex" and "loose opposite-sex" activities.

 

The statement highlighted that homosexuality is in conflict with deeply rooted religious and cultural traditions in Ethiopia, noting that “same-sex marriage is prohibited by law as per Article 13 of our nation’s amended family law.”

 

The request for probes comes amid controversy over a reported agreement with the European Union (EU), which some Ethiopian social media users claim promotes homosexuality.

 

Last week, the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia published a similar statement criticizing the deal inked with the EU by African countries, including Ethiopia, as well as Caribbean and Pacific states.

 

While expressing support for cooperation, the council raised concerns about "sex rights, gender change, abortion," and other concepts that it believes contradict Ethiopian values.