After Deadly Scaffolding Collapse, Ethiopia’s Catholic Bishops Express Solidarity with Orthodox Church

Addis Ababa, 03 October, 2025 / 8:25 PM

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) have expressed solidarity with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church following the collapse of a wooden scaffolding at St. Mary’s Church, which left several people dead and others injured.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 2, CBCE members extend their condolences to the families of the victims of the October 1 incident.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that wooden scaffolding used in the construction of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the North Shewa Diocese at Ararti Debre Genet St. Mary’s Church in Minjar Shenkor has collapsed, resulting in the loss of many lives and injuries to many others,” the Catholic Bishops say.

They express their “profound sorrow over this tragic event and offer heartfelt prayers for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, especially the ministers of Ararti Debre Genet St. Mary’s Church, as well as for the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.”

At least 30 people lost their lives and over 200 others sustained injuries when scaffolding collapsed at St. Mary’s Church, where thousands of worshippers had gathered to mark the annual Orthodox Christian feast of St. Mary, BBC News reported.

Police inspector Ahmed Gebeyehu has been quoted as saying the number of fatalities could rise, noting that the confirmed victims so far were aged between 25 and 80.

The BBC report further indicates that some of the severely injured victims have been transferred to Addis Ababa for further treatment.

In a statement shared by the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), the government expresses “deep condolences for the damage caused by the collapse of the scaffolding.”

The government statement further emphasizes that “safety must be given priority” during all construction projects.

In the statement that CBCE president, Berhaneyesus Demerew Cardinal Souraphiel of the Catholic Archdiocese of Addis Ababa, signed, the Catholic Bishops pray that the Creator “grants comfort to the affected families and eternal rest to the departed.”

“Lord, grant eternal rest to those who have died. Let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace,” they implore.