Westminster Abbey has agreed “in principle” to returning a sacred tablet to the Ethiopian Orthodox church, igniting a debate around restitution claims made by the East African nation. “The Dean and Chapter has decided in principle that it would be appropriate to return the Ethiopian tabot to the Ethiopian church,” a spokesperson for Westminster Abbey said. “We are currently considering the best way to achieve this, and we are in ongoing discussions with representatives of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church. Westminster Abbey did not confirm what triggered the change of position, but there has been growing pressure on all European institutions that hold items taken during the colonial era. after newsletter promotionThe museum’s long-held position on the items is to eventually lend them to an Ethiopian Orthodox church in the UK “where they can be cared for by the clergy within their traditions”.

Source: Ethiopian News February 19, 2024 14:34 UTC