The Conflict Resolution Roles of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

ABSTRACT Religious institutions have an organic role to play in conflict resolution. This study examines the role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in resolving recent conflicts in Ethiopia on the basis of data from the Amhara regional state. The study used a qualitative research methodology. Focus group discussions and semi‐structured interviews with key informants were used to gather data. Participants were selected from various dioceses and the Amhara police commission, including representatives from the Council of Religious Institutions in the Amhara region, church officials, priests, academics and police officers, on the basis of their experience, knowledge and proximity to the issues. Thus, the study assesses the church's role in conflict resolution, the methods used, and the challenges the church has encountered in its efforts. The findings show that throughout its lengthy history, the church has made a beneficial, all‐encompassing contribution to conflict resolution, and it is recognized in the community for now serving this purpose. Apart from settling inter‐group and personal disputes, the church has also attempted to mediate between armed groups and the government in some parts of the regional state. The study argues that, despite continuing to work towards some success, the church has become less effective at settling political conflicts. To foster pathways for lasting peace, this calls for strengthening the Church's position as a traditional conflict resolution institution among the relevant stakeholders and safeguarding its established methods and authority from being undermined by unwarranted intervention from the government and other disputing parties.