Fresh Elective Assembly for the Bishop of iNqweba Diocese.

We write collectively as delegates of the Diocese of Inqweba following the Elective Assembly held on 18 April 2026. We do so with a deep sense of responsibility, not only to the Diocese we represent, but also to the integrity and credibility of the Church’s governance processes.
The purpose of this letter is to place on record our serious concerns regarding the manner in which the Elective Assembly was conducted, and to request urgent intervention.
The Assembly was convened in terms of the Acts of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church to elect a Bishop for the Diocese. As delegates, we entered the process with the expectation that it would be conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and fully compliant with the provisions of the Acts. However, as the proceedings unfolded, it became increasingly apparent that there were material deviations from both the spirit and the letter of the prescribed process.
One of the central concerns relates to the role played by members of EXCO during the proceedings. While their role ought to have been that of observers and facilitators of process, it appeared to us that they became directly involved in decision-making in a manner that influenced the direction of the process. This shift from observer to active participant compromised the neutrality that is essential in a process of this nature.
Further concern arises from the handling of nominations from the floor. The process was formally opened for nominations, and names were duly proposed and seconded. However, proposers and seconders were informed that no such nomination paperwork would be made available. This decision effectively prevented candidates from complying with the procedural requirements necessary to formalise their nominations. These nomination forms and printers are resources of the Church, and as such, there was no lawful basis upon which access to them could be denied. The withholding of these forms amounted, in effect, to a prevention of participation in the nomination process.
We are also troubled by what appeared to be inconsistent decision-making by the President of The Elective assembly who is yourself. At one stage, a nomination from the floor was accepted in principle. Following an adjournment, however, the position changed, and the nomination was no longer permitted to proceed. This inconsistency has created a reasonable perception of bias and has raised serious questions regarding the fairness and predictability of the process.
In addition, concerns were raised during the proceedings regarding the good standing of the candidate who ultimately remained. Documentary evidence was brought to attention indicating discrepancies in the candidate’s giving record. These concerns, which go to the heart of eligibility, were not adequately investigated or resolved before the process proceeded. Despite this, the candidate was advanced and ultimately declared elected. This has given rise to a perception that the process was driven by a predetermined outcome, rather than by compliance with the requirements of the Acts.
Taken together, these issues have significantly undermined confidence in the integrity of the Elective Assembly. As delegates of the Diocese, we consider the manner in which the process was conducted to be unsatisfactory and not reflective of the standard of fairness, transparency, and lawful procedure that is required of such an important ecclesiastical process.
In light of the above, we respectfully submit that the outcome of the Elective Assembly cannot stand as credible. It is our considered view that the process was materially defective and should be regarded as null and void. We therefore request that the election be set aside and that a fresh Elective Assembly be convened, conducted strictly in accordance with the Acts, with full procedural clarity and equal treatment of all candidates.
We further request that this matter be considered and responded to within three (3) days of receipt of this letter. Should no response be received within this period, or should the response fail to adequately address the concerns raised, we reserve the right to pursue further remedies, including legal recourse, in order to protect the integrity of the Church’s processes.
We emphasise that this letter is not written in a spirit of division, but out of a shared commitment to justice, accountability, and the faithful application of the Church’s laws. The Diocese of Inqweba deserves a process that is beyond reproach, and we trust that this matter will be addressed with the seriousness it requires.

Yours in Christ’s service,

The Delegates of the Diocese of Inqweba