Extremists in Ethiopia

The head of Ethiopia's Lutheran church welcomed government help to end attacks on Christians in the country, but he warned that political extremists stand in the way.

Some Muslim groups attacked Christian homes and buildings (12 belonging to the Lutheran church) in western Oromia in March.

"It's clear certain extremists are trying to use religion as an instrument for disturbing the peace and working hard to use the ensuing conflict for political ends," said Wakseyoum Idosa, president of the Ethiopian Evangelical [Lutheran] Church Mekane Yesus, whose membership comprises 19 percent of the country's 83 million people.