An Open Letter to Reverend Franklin Graham

March 12, 2025

President and CEO
Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
1 Billy Graham Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28201

Subject: Urgent Appeal for Assistance in Addressing Religious Persecution and Human Rights Violations in Ethiopia

Dear Reverend Graham,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express deep concern about the role that you and your organization, Samaritan’s Purse, have played in supporting the Ethiopian government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, particularly through your political lobbying efforts. While your work in global humanitarian aid and evangelism is deeply appreciated, I believe your public support for a government that is embroiled in a brutal conflict and is accused of human rights violations raises serious ethical and moral questions.

As you are aware, Ethiopia has been in the midst of a violent and tragic civil war for years, with widespread suffering in various regions, particularly inTigray, Amhara, and Oromia. Millions of Ethiopians have been displaced from their homes, countless lives have been lost, and families have been torn apart. Furthermore, there have been numerous reports of ethnic cleansing, atrocities, and violations of international human rights laws committed by various armed factions, including the Ethiopian government’s military forces. This humanitarian disaster, however, seems to have been largely overlooked in the narratives shaped by figures such as yourself, who continue to lobby in favor of the government ofAbiy Ahmed.

I urge you to reconsider the support that you and your organization have given to the Ethiopian regime. While Prime Minister Abiy has framed the situation as part of his “divine mission”, it is essential that we do not ignore the suffering of innocent civilians, especially those who are caught in the middle of this conflict. The support of evangelical leaders in Ethiopia’s political landscape has only served to further entrench political divisions, while turning a blind eye to the real and devastating impact of the conflict.

As a Christian leader, you are in a position to advocate for peace, reconciliation, and justice, values that are central to our faith. By aligning yourself with the Ethiopian government, you are inadvertently complicit in a situation where religious and political manipulation is being used to justify war crimes and violence. The growing religious nationalism in Ethiopia, which blends the prosperity gospel with political aspirations, has led to dangerous and divisive outcomes, further exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable groups.

The call for peace and justice should be paramount. I urge you, Reverend Graham, to reconsider your political stance in Ethiopia and shift your focus to advocating for human rights, humanitarian aid, and reconciliation between Ethiopia’s divided communities. This is the Christian path, and this is what Ethiopia needs now more than ever— a message of peace, healing, and compassion rather than one that sustains the conflict.

Your influence can make a significant difference. I strongly encourage you to stop lobbying for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and instead lend your voice to those who are suffering in Ethiopia, advocating for an end to the violence, a fair and peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the protection of human rights for all Ethiopians, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

Ethiopia is at a crossroads, and the world is watching. As Christians, it is our responsibility to stand with the oppressed, to seek peace in the midst of chaos, and to pursue justice for all. I hope that you will reconsider your current position and support the Ethiopian people in their quest for peace and justice, not in the defense of a regime that continues to fuel division, violence, and suffering.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I trust that you will reflect deeply on these issues and take action that reflects the core values of the Christian faith.

Sincerely,

Caleb Ta (Dr.)