Welcome to Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia

About Us

Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE) was established by full consensus and collaboration of various religious institutions of Ethiopia in 2010. IRCE is registered as a non-profit organization with the Ministry of Federal Affairs. The long history of religious co-existence, collaboration, and tolerance became the cornerstone to establish the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia.

IRCE is an independent and registered umbrella organization that facilitates higher level inter-faith dialogue forums. As an organization, IRCE builds on and is guided by common values of peace, human dignity, mutual and reciprocal respect and love for one another, promoting the “golden rule – the principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated”.

At present, IRCE has seven members; they are the major religious institutions in the country: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC), Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC), The Ethiopian Catholic Church (ECC), The Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia (ECFE), The Ethiopian Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDAC), The Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), and Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church (EKHC) which collectively represents about 97 percent of Ethiopian population.

  • Administration and Finance
  • Religious Affairs
  • Peace Building
  • Public Relation and Documentation
  • Research Monitoring and Evaluating
  • Program Coordinating
  • Women Children and Youth Affairs

Our Members

Vision

To see a developed Ethiopia where
religious communities and their
institutions stand together for peace,
love, justice, human dignity, mutual
respect, tolerance, and religious
equality.

Mission

Mission

To promote peaceful coexistence and
collaboration among religious
institutions and communities in
Ethiopia.



Core Values

Value

Love, Mutual Respect, Preserving the Ethiopian Culture and Identity
Respect diversity, Tolerance, Respect to Human Dignity Building work ethics, Compassion and Morality


Our Partners and Stakeholder

Strategic Objectives of IRCE

Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia is focusing on three strategic thematic areas

In our relentless pursuit of excellence in peace making and peace building, we embrace a holistic approach that transcends conflict resolution to address root causes and foster lasting harmony. Upholding inclusivity and diversity as strategic imperatives, we actively engage representatives from varied backgrounds, recognizing that true peace arises when all voices are not only heard but celebrated. Collaboration stands as a catalyst, as we forge alliances with local communities, governments, NGOs, and international partners to leverage collective strengths. Education and empowerment form the bedrock, with a commitment to programs that impart knowledge on conflict resolution, human rights, and the value of diversity. Conflict transformation is not just an end goal but a continuous process, turning adversities into opportunities for growth and positive change. Our pursuit of excellence manifests through innovative solutions, whether through technology, grassroots initiatives, or unconventional strategies, ensuring that our dedication to peace extends beyond borders and stands as a beacon for a harmonious and inclusive world.

In our commitment to excellence in conflict management and transformation, we adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond resolving disputes to address root causes, fostering enduring resolutions. We believe in the transformative power of conflict resolution, aiming not just to end conflicts but to turn them into opportunities for learning, collaboration, and positive change. Our inclusive practices ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and valued, creating conditions for comprehensive and equitable resolution. Through collaborative strategies, education, and continuous improvement, we empower individuals and communities to navigate conflicts constructively, viewing them as catalysts for growth and understanding. Our dedication to excellence lies in creating environments where conflicts contribute to positive, lasting change.

In our unwavering commitment to excellence, we stand as guardians of religious ethics and moral values, recognizing them as foundational pillars of a harmonious society. Through dedicated efforts, we preserve and promote the rich tapestry of ethical principles embedded in diverse religious traditions. Our approach involves fostering understanding and appreciation for these values, ensuring their continuity and relevance in a rapidly evolving world. Through educational initiatives, community engagement, and collaborative endeavors, we empower individuals to uphold and practice these timeless ethical standards in their daily lives. In doing so, we aim not only to safeguard the spiritual heritage of our diverse religious communities but also to contribute to the broader fabric of societal integrity and compassion.

The corporate strategic objectives of IRCE are the following:

  • Enhancing peace and peaceful co-existence
  • Combating religious radicalism and extremism
  • Managing and transforming conflict
  • Strengthening and preserving longstanding moral values, religious ethics, and inter-faith understanding and tolerance
  • Increase resource base and fund solicitation
  • Improving internal efficiency and effectiveness
  • Enhancing visibility/ rebranding IRCE’s image and widening its support base
  • Ensuring the existence of a platform for sustainable dialogue
  • Increase partnerships and collaboration with national and international partners
  • Improving diversity management and responding to cross-cutting issues including gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices, migration/ human trafficking, and climate change

Our Events and News

  • IRCE Coexistence celebration Day
    Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE) Marks Third Monthly Coexistence Day Celebration Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – November 16, 2023 – The Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE) Staff joyfully commemorated the Monthly Coexistence Day for the third consecutive time today, fostering an atmosphere of unity, understanding, and collaboration among its diverse members. The event, held on November…
  • Professor Alemayehu Gebremariam’s Insightful Visit to the IRCE
    Professor Alemayehu Gebremariam, a political science professor at California State University, visited the Ethiopian Religious Institutions Conference. Known as Almariam, he is recognized for his comprehensive analyses on Ethiopia. During his visit, he gained deeper insights into the institution and identified potential areas of collaboration. He emphasized the importance of preserving religious institutions and values…
  • Religious Institutions in National Consultation: A Collaborative Forum for Peace and Progress in Ethiopia
    The Assembly of Ethiopian Religious Institutions, in partnership with the Jisra Project, held a forum in Adama city on November 19, 2023. The forum, opened by Deputy General Secretary Hajj Masoud Adam, focused on the role of religious education and media in national consultation. Adam highlighted the importance of religious institutions in achieving national peace…

Message from Secretary General

Dear Esteemed Religious Communities and Partners,

I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt greeting to you on behalf of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE). As we embark on this transformative journey, I am eager to share our mission, vision, and values.

The IRCE is committed to fostering peace and coexistence by promoting collaboration among religious institutions. We strive to uphold moral values, religious ethics, interfaith understanding, and tolerance within Ethiopia’s diverse communities.

We aspire for a future where religious communities in Ethiopia stand united for peace, justice, human dignity, mutual respect, tolerance, and development. Our vision emphasizes the power of collaboration among diverse religious traditions and the common values that bind us as a nation.

The IRCE cherishes values that guide our actions and decisions. These include love, mutual respect, preserving Ethiopian culture and identity, respect for diversity, tolerance, and respect for human dignity, building work ethics, compassion, morality, transparency, unity, and honesty.

As we move forward, let’s embrace these values collectively, transcending religious, cultural, and social boundaries. Together, we can create a future where peace, justice, and unity prevail. Thank you for your unwavering support as we work towards a harmonious Ethiopia.

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Like Teguan Tagay Tadele (Kesis)

Secretary-General

Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia