Contested spaces between Christian communities in Awasa, SNNPR, Ethiopia

In 1991, the transition of government in Ethiopia provided a new situation for religious communities. In 1995, the new constitution of Ethiopia made a separation between religion and state. The official religious policy has facilitated religious diversity, and communities that were marginalized during the Derg period have gained access to public space. This paper focuses on relations between Christian communities in the city of Awasa in the Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Regional State (SNNPRS), Ethiopia. The city of Awasa and the Sidama region has played an important role in the history of Protestant Christianity in Ethiopia. During the last two decades there has been an increase in the number of new denominations in Awasa. This has created new dynamics and negotiation of relations between the communities, resulting in cooperation and competition in public space.