Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia (a URI member group) declares a month-long national prayer to curb coronavirus.
As the new coronavirus pandemic is spreading rapidly across the world and taking the lives of hundreds of thousands globally, religious leaders in Ethiopia under the facilitation of Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia (a URI member group), prayed on April 6 for the world community affected by COVID-19, who are facing quarantine, and they prayed for an end to the pandemic. The prayer also goes for those people responsible for fighting the new coronavirus: medical professionals, caregivers and researchers. A minute of silence was also held to remember those who have passed away from the coronavirus in Ethiopia and around the world.
The religious leaders also announced a month-long national prayer in Ethiopia.
Speaking on the occasion of the prayer event, H.E. Mrs. Sahle-Work Zewde, the President of The Federal Democrat Republic of Ethiopia, said that the unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19 around the world is huge and a major challenge for our world. The President further said, "At such a critical time, religious leaders are the source of hope and courage, as they are able to show the light at the end of the tunnel. We should extend our gratitude to the religious institutions for contributing their share to the national COVID-19 containment efforts."
Religious leaders have a great role: to teach the people to apply all cautionary advice and to convince the public that after darkness comes the light. The current problem, which is new by its nature, seeks determination, partnership and friendship, the President underscored.
Speaking to the media, Ethiopian Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew said that Ethiopia is the land of many believers, and this is the time to come together and pray to the heavenly father to look upon us in His mercy and forgive our failings.
Ethiopia Islamic Affairs Supreme Council President Mufti Omar also noted that it is high time and the time calls for praying and taking care of each other. “We should repent from the bottom of our heart,” he said.
The prayer program was televised live at a national level.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Amb. Mussie Hailu
Director of Global Partnership & Representative at the UN and
Africa Union and Regional Director for Africa
United Religions Initiative
