General Introduction

Ethiopia is a huge, diverse and beautiful country, with stunning scenery and beautiful people. Somewhere between 50 and 60% of the population are practising Christians; the Orthodox Church being by far the largest, with Protestant Churches coming a close second. Islam has existed side-by-side with Christianity for four hundred years in Ethiopia and in recent years has grown quickly.

Addis Ababa, the capital city, is often called the political capital of Africa. All the major international aid organisations have offices and staff there, because Ethiopia faces many problems, despite huge developments which have taken place in the past five years.

Every year, 6 million people live with hunger but this year, many more face difficulty, as major rains (and crops) failed. Hunger is not limited to the countryside. In the cities, many are suffering, as the price of staple foods soars.

Ethiopia: Mission Challenges and Opportunities

There are many opportunities for mission in Ethiopia, but many challenges, too. People’s physical needs are huge, which means that there are endless opportunities to show Christ’s love in action. Visible signs of development are budding in the capital city and the people are determined to work hard, to help themselves. However, these efforts are frequently hampered by the need to spend huge amounts of money on emergency relief.

CMS Ireland works through the local Anglican church – which is part of the Diocese of Egypt (with North Africa and the Horn of Africa).

Some of the challenges faced by the church in mission are:

• the effects of climate change (particularly flood, drought and famine in the Gambella region)
• attracting the resources (both personnel and money) for our expanding work
• the gradual appearance of a more radical Islam
• restrictions placed on international organisations by central government