Mekelle: 29 December 2023 (Tigray Herald)
By Yerga Yaecobe
The genocidal flag prevention policy in the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo church.
The Menebre Selama Keats Brihane Independent Tigray Orotodox Tewahedo Church’s strategy to address and prevent cultural genocide, including the use of the Ethiopian flag as a symbol of the Tigray genocide, involves implementing comprehensive policies and laws throughout Tigray. The church recognizes the historical association of the flag with the Tigray genocide and is committed to eradicating its presence from all Orotodox churches and monasteries in the region.
Policy Strategy:
Ban on Ethiopian Flag: Enforce a strict ban on the display and use of the Ethiopian flag within all Orotodox churches and monasteries in Tigray to symbolize the commitment to combating cultural genocide.
Educational Campaigns: Launch educational programs within the church and communities to raise awareness about the historical context of the Ethiopian flag and its association with the Tigray genocide, fostering understanding and support for the ban.
Legal Framework: Advocate for the introduction and enforcement of legal measures that explicitly prohibit the use of the Ethiopian flag in religious spaces, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and preventing further harm.
Collaboration with Authorities: Work closely with local and regional authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the ban, including monitoring and enforcing compliance with the established policies.
Cultural Sensitivity Training: Provide training to clergy, church officials, and community leaders on cultural sensitivity, emphasizing the need to respect and protect the cultural identity of the Tigrayan people.
Public Declarations: Issue public declarations and statements from the church leadership condemning the use of the Ethiopian flag as a symbol of the Tigray genocide and reaffirming the church’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and cultural preservation.
Community Engagement: Engage with local communities through open dialogues, town hall meetings, and cultural events to address concerns, gather feedback, and build a collective commitment to eradicating symbols associated with cultural genocide.
Historical Documentation: Support efforts to document and preserve the history of the Tigray genocide, ensuring that future generations are informed about the significance of the ban on the Ethiopian flag.
By implementing these policies and strategies, the Menebre Selama Keats Brihane Independent Tigray Orotodox Tewahedo Church aims to play a pivotal role in preventing cultural genocide and fostering a climate of cultural preservation and respect within the Tigray region
