The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Signs Agreement with Ethiopian Interfaith Organization

On Monday, November 25, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Africa Central Area President Thierry K. Mutombo signed on behalf of the Church and Mr. Teguan Tagay Tadele (Kesis), the Secretary General of the Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia, signed on behalf of the IRCE. In attendance were the United Religions Initiative-Africa Ambassador Mussie, President Oliva and Sister Rebecca Cowley, Ethiopia Addis Ababa Mission leaders, David Stanford the Area Legal Counsel, and Claudine Isekusu the Area Communication and Publishing Director.

The purpose of this MoU is to formalize the relationship between the IRCE and the Church in Ethiopia in the areas of interfaith unity and disaster management. The agreement provides a broad framework for cooperation and engagement between the two organizations in the support of communities in need.

The Secretary General of the Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia,Mr. Like Teguan Tagay Tadele (Kesis) ) expressed optimism for the initiative, hoping it would foster peace, conflict resolution, and collaboration for humanity's benefit:

 “For The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE), "I hope this initiative will help bring peace, conflict resolution, and more collaboration for the benefit of humanity.”

Ambassador Mussie Hailu, who also serves as the Regional Director for Africa and Representative to the Africa Union, ECA, UNEP, and IGAD underscored the importance of the agreement, highlighting the need for different faith communities to work together on common issues, promote compassion, peaceful coexistence, and uphold universal ethical principles:

“It is the right time for us to now walk the talk, we are not talking about doctrine, we are talking about how different faiths can come together to bring service to the community to bring moral and spiritual dimension to the community. It is a great honour to witness this partnership. African Union recognizes the role of religious leaders and faith-based organizations for us to achieve the Africa we want- peaceful, united, prosperous, Agenda 2060, again the spirit of Ubuntu, I am because we are”.

Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, President of the Africa Central Area, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the Inter-faith Religious Council of Ethiopia. He emphasized the importance of shared values among different faiths, stating, "What we have in common with other faiths is much more significant than our differences. Together, we hope to make a difference in the lives of others."