Worshippers at Battersea Ethiopian Church Work to Secure Peace after Bust-up

By Alexandra Rucki
Your Local Guardian
October 24, 2013

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/wandsworthnews/10757159.Church_worshippers_work_to_secure_peace_after_bust_up/

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, in St Philip Street, Battersea

Worshippers at an Ethiopian church are working to secure peace after months of simmering tensions erupted into violence erupted last weekend.

Five people were arrested on October 19 following a protest against the current trustees of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, in St Philip Street, Battersea.

Protests have been taking place at the building every weekend with the trustees accused of covering up a sexual abuse scandal.

The church has been closed since April, but was re-consecrated last weekend against the wishes of some members of the congregation who clashed violently with rivals despite a heavy police presence.

A meeting is now scheduled to take place with the Charity Commission on November 6 in a bid to find a solution to the disorder with the arguing parties.

Police are also working closely with the separate factions to try and secure the peace.

Three men face criminal charges following the unrest at court later this month.