Catholic Bishops in Ethiopia Urge Church Institutions to Embrace Culture of Forgiveness

Meanwhile, in a message shared with ACI Africa on Tuesday, August 2, an official from the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat (ECS) recalls the message from CBCE members following their 53rd Plenary Assembly held in Addis Ababa from July 20-22.

Ethiopia’s Catholic Bishops reflected “on current events in the country”, said CBCE Member Social Communications and Public Relations Advisor Habtamu Abrdew.

Mr. Abrdew quoted CBCE members as saying, “The Church faces a great challenge due to the absence of peace in the country, which prevents it from carrying out its apostolic services. Many of our parishes, including the Diocese of Adigrat, share the challenge. Priests and nuns have fled their places due to security, and the number of closed chapels and convents is increasing. »

In their message, the head of the ECS says, the Catholic Bishops appealed for cooperation, saying, “We urge that the government and the people work together to secure peace in our country so that the citizens can live freely”.

Ethiopian citizens, the Bishops said, “are also struggling to meet their basic needs. Citizens are still being killed and exiled because of their identity in many places (e.g. recently, in Wolga).”

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“As we have done in the past, we call on all parties concerned to focus on the option of peace, dialogue and reconciliation,” the Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia have said, adding, “We assure to contribute to the realization of peace.. Our church will do its best to make the national dialogue which has begun a success.The church will continue to strengthen its contribution so that all possible efforts are made.

CBCE members also appealed for humanitarian aid. They said, “We are also very concerned about our drought-affected populations and call on all concerned to work hard and united to reach them to receive emergency assistance.”