‘TWO REVOLUTIONS BEHIND: IS THE ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH AN OBSTACLE OR CATALYST FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT?’

As part of a project to investigate the spiritual and moral roots for an African Renaissance the paper employs an inter-disciplinary approach, investigating the intersection between religion and social development. This is done with reference to developmental issues as they become manifest in Ethiopia. An analysis of the social role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is accompanied by a critical review of some theories and strategies for social development. Since Ethiopia is one of the major beneficiaries of US and international aid the paper also considers options for sustainable social development