ETHIOPIA: Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán Meets Ethiopia Christian Leaders in Budapest
On 18th June, 2019 the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán met Christian leaders from Ethiopia for talks on the impact of migration on Europe and Africa as well as on persecuted Christian communities.
The talks were attended by His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus, CM Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa in Ethiopian Catholic Church; Samson Bekele, Director General of the Child and Family Affairs Organization of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church; and Girma Borishie Bati, Director of the Development and Social Services Commission of the Mekane Yesus Ethiopian Evangelical Church.
The Ethiopian Christian leaders told PM Orbán that their churches are opposed to emigration from African countries, arguing that they would like their young people to progress and enjoy life advancement in their own countries. They said those leaving their native land find themselves in an exposed situation, and become the “toys” of the smugglers.
At the meeting, the parties further agreed that Europe should seek to remain faithful to its Christian heritage. The West should not be ashamed of its Christian identity, whether in times of crises or in better times.
Ethiopia has a population of almost 110 million people: 60% are Christian, and 35% are Muslim, among whom radicalism is intensifying. According to the Christian human rights civil society organization Open Doors, Ethiopia is one of the 30 countries most at risk from persecution of Christians.
The delegation thanked Hungary for providing scholarships for several Ethiopian young people who, upon completion of their studies, return home and serve their country. They expressed gratitude to the Hungarian Government for financially supporting the development of a refugee camp and a hospital for the poor in Ethiopia.
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Source: Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat
