Our History

Our people, who presently number more than thirty million in Ethiopia, enjoy a tradition that dates back to the earliest days of recorded history. Like many Americans with European roots, we have found refuge in America from a long history of persecution and denial of human rights that continues to this day. Our spiritual history is rooted in the tradition of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, a community of faith whose membership of more than five million makes it one of the fastest growing churches in the world. Because of the strong ties that bind us to the 70 million member communion of the Lutheran World Federation, it was natural that we would find a warm reception within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We welcome among us Oromo people who have experienced a meaningful relationship with the Presbyterian Church, the Disciples of Christ and many other Christian confessions. Oromia – a nation of thirty –five million in Ethiopia