Evangelical Generals and Warrior Pastors: The Dangerous Intersection of Religion and Politics in Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party

March 12, 2025
Caleb Ta (Dr.)

IntroductionEthiopia’s political landscape under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has become increasingly defined by the intersection of religion and state, particularly through the influence of evangelical Christianity. The Prosperity Party (PP), Abiy’s political movement, has embraced evangelical Protestantism not only as a tool for spiritual legitimacy but also as a way to consolidate political power. This relationship between politics and religion has raised concerns about the ethical and legal ramifications, as it appears to manipulate religious leaders and institutions to justify military actions, human rights abuses, and the suppression of opposition.The Rise of Evangelical Influence in Ethiopian Politics

The expansion of evangelical Christianity in Ethiopia over the past few decades has coincided with Abiy’s rise to power. As the leader of the Prosperity Party, Abiy has worked closely with evangelical pastors and leaders, integrating them into key political and military decisions. The relationship has grown so strong that some evangelical figures have been given high-ranking positions within the government, a process that has blurred the lines between religious institutions and the state.

Religious Justification for Political PowerAbiy’s government has publicly framed itself as a defender of Christian values, often aligning with evangelical leaders to justify its actions. This has led to some pastors making controversial statements like “This government is mine” and offering unwavering support for Abiy’s policies, even in the face of violence and human rights violations. These leaders have presented the government’s actions as divinely sanctioned, positioning themselves as moral supporters of a regime that many view as oppressive and violent. The evangelical community’s public endorsement of the Prosperity Party’s policies—whether they involve military campaigns or political repression—has raised serious questions about the role of religious authority in a state that has seen significant bloodshed.Evangelical Leaders and the Military

A Dangerous Alliance: Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the growing relationship between the Prosperity Party and evangelical leaders is their involvement in military decision-making. Abiy has reportedly consulted with the Evangelical Council for advice on military strategies, with religious leaders at times superseding the input of military experts. In some instances, high-ranking military officers, such as General Mohammed Tessema, are said to have embraced evangelical Christianity to gain favor with the government. This phenomenon, known as the “Pente” phenomenon, highlights the way in which military officers—many of whom have previously adhered to different religions or secular ideologies—have converted to evangelical Christianity as a strategic move to secure power and military leadership roles.

The Case of General Mohammed TessemaGeneral Tessema’s case is particularly troubling. After converting to evangelical Christianity, Tessema’s rise within the military ranks was rapid, and he was appointed to a series of key leadership positions, despite allegations of human rights violations. He has been linked to violent actions in the Gojjam region, where his forces have been accused of committing atrocities, including the killings of civilians. This situation underscores the problematic intersection of religion and military violence, where religious affiliation appears to be a determining factor in political and military power rather than professional qualifications or ethical leadership.The Role of the Prosperity Gospel and Protestant Nationalism

The Prosperity Gospel, a doctrine that teaches material wealth and success as divine rewards for faith, has become a driving force in Ethiopia’s evangelical movements. This version of Christianity emphasizes individual prosperity over communal or social justice, which has been co-opted by the Prosperity Party to justify its military actions and political agenda. Evangelical leaders, particularly “Warrior Pastors,” have used the gospel of prosperity as a way to rally support for the government, framing the violence as part of a divine mission.

This has led to a form of Protestant nationalism, where the state’s political goals are intertwined with evangelical faith. Some pastors have urged their followers to pray for the government and view Abiy’s leadership as part of God’s divine plan. Critics argue that this has blurred the lines between spiritual leadership and political endorsement, compromising the ethical integrity of religious figures who are supposed to advocate for peace and reconciliation rather than military conflict.

The Problem of War and Ethical Dilemmas

The ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia, particularly in regions like Tigray and Amhara, have become a source of immense ethical controversy within the evangelical community. While some pastors have publicly criticized the government’s military actions, many others, including the Warrior Pastors, have defended them as part of a divine calling. This raises critical questions about the role of religious leaders in endorsing or condoning violence in the name of faith.

Abiy’s public statements about the war, such as claiming that “Jesus told me to win,” have shocked many, particularly religious leaders who view such statements as contradictory to the core Christian principles of peace and reconciliation. Critics argue that such rhetoric exploits faith to justify war, further deepening the moral divide in the country and causing lasting harm to both the victims of violence and the moral integrity of religious leadership.

Evangelical Nationalism: A Double-Edged SwordWhile the evangelical community in Ethiopia is not monolithic, the political embrace of evangelical nationalism has led to increasing polarization. Many followers of the Prosperity Party view the government as fulfilling a divine purpose, but others are disillusioned by the way in which religion has been used to justify human rights violations and political repression. The rise of Prosperity Gospel teachings has led to ethical dilemmas, with some evangelical leaders prioritizing the Prosperity Party’s political agenda over spiritual values of justice, compassion, and peace.The Legal and Ethical Implications

The close relationship between evangelical leaders and the Prosperity Party also has significant legal and ethical implications. By publicly endorsing government actions that involve violence, displacement, and suppression of political opposition, these leaders risk being complicit in crimes against humanity. As international scrutiny of Ethiopia’s conflict grows, both religious leaders and military officers may face accountability for their involvement in perpetuating violence under the guise of religious faith.

ConclusionThe growing influence of evangelical leaders within Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party has created a volatile political and religious environment. While the government uses evangelical figures to legitimize its actions, particularly its military operations, the manipulation of religion for political gain raises deep moral and ethical concerns. As the country continues to grapple with internal conflicts, it remains to be seen whether Ethiopia’s religious leaders will take a stand against violence or continue to align themselves with a government that has faced widespread criticism for its role in human rights violations.

The use of the Prosperity Gospel to justify military campaigns and political power creates a dangerous precedent where faith becomes intertwined with politics, further polarizing the nation. Ultimately, Ethiopia’s future will depend on whether its religious leaders can prioritize peace, justice, and reconciliation over political allegiance and whether the Ethiopian people will demand a government that respects both their spiritual and human rights.