Institutional Measures The Ministry of Federal Affairs and the Inter-religious Council has been given the task of ensuring citizens freedom of religion and belief. The Ministry of Justice, the Civil Societies Agency and other governmental institutions provide assistance to religious institutions. Administrative Measures In January 2010, the major religious groups established an inter-Religious Council with the aim of maintaining religious tolerance, promoting a culture of peace through religious participation while enabling religious institutions to advance their faith freely and without infringing anyone‟s constitutional rights. The government has extended support to the Council in its efforts to foster religious tolerance between the various groups. Since January 2010, the Council has organized several awareness creation and enhancing conferences in collaboration with government organs including the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Federal Affairs. The Council has also organized one national and two regional consultative and experience-sharing workshops with the participation of 870 religious leaders and faith- based organizations (FBO) in some of the regional states on issues related to harmful traditional practices (such as female genital mutilation), HIV and AIDS, and maternal and youth reproductive health. Adherents of the various religions have freely exercised their right to establish institutes of religious education, and published and disseminated religious books, newspapers and magazines. In strict conformity with the constitutional principle of separation of state and religion, all religions in Ethiopia are able to elect their leaders using their own internal regulations. Furthermore, the followers of any religion can, and do, observe and celebrate their religious holidays either within their religious institutions or in public. On such occasions, the Government, in consultation with the concerned religious institution, provides the necessary arrangements for peace and security. The government has also addressed administrative grievances submitted by the followers of different religions and resolved issues peacefully. For instance, the Ministry of Federal Affairs facilitated consultations in 2010 among the leaders of Christians and Muslims after exploring the conflict between the followers of both religions in Jimma area. In Ethiopia, religious groups cohabit peacefully. In general, religious questions have been resolved satisfactorily over time. Religious issues among the followers of a particular religion are managed 58