Täwaḥǝdo Theologizing as a Possible Guide for Ecumenical Fellowship in the Spirit of Nicaea

Abstract

The Ethiopian Orthodox Täwaḥǝdo Church (EOTC) embodies a vibrant and unique heritage of self-theologizing that is both consistent with Nicene formulations and deeply accommodating of non-Western epistemic assumptions.  As the only country in Africa never to be colonized, Ethiopia boasts an ancient written language, Gǝʿǝz (ግዕዝ), and a theological heritage that was virtually devoid of any direct Greek philosophical influence until the twentieth century.  Täwaḥǝdo (ተዋሕዶ) is the term used today to express the Christology of the EOTC.  More broadly and deeply, however, it encapsulates the manner by which the EOTC embraces the mystery of life in Christ through ‘Harmonious Tension’ and embodied practical experience.  This article briefly explores the historical usage and development of täwaḥǝdo in the EOTC tradition to highlight several important characteristics and suggest ways that other church traditions might be able to learn how to better hold apparently contradictory theological perspectives in tension for the benefit of the Global Church.