The Tigrayan people have received an apology from the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church for their part in the terrible conflict that raged there.
They synod apologized in a statement issued on Thursday for failing to protect the security of church leaders and members throughout the crisis.
The church has come under fire for failing to denounce the bloody conflict that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The Tigray bishops even stated earlier this year that they intended to create a separate church from the synod.
The Holy Synod has been actively working toward reconciliation with the Orthodox authorities in Tigray ever since the war came to an end in late 2022. They have officially apologized for delaying the distribution of aid after the conflict.
While some see this as a beginning in the right direction, a Tigray bishop condemned the apology, claiming that it fails to adequately acknowledge the scope of the wrongs perpetrated.
His Holiness Abune Matthias continues to be recognized by the church as the patriarch, and any intentions to elect a new patriarch have been refuted.