ADDIS ABABA– Archbishop of the Ethiopian Catholic Church Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew expressed the Church’s commitment to engage in inter-religious dialogue to promote human dignity and reconciliation and partner with different stakeholders to peace building.
The Ethiopian Catholic Church held a ceremony to introduce its Ten-Year Plan yesterday.
Speaking at the occasion, the Cardinal stated that the Church is committed to give voice to the voiceless, build peace and resilience throughout the country.
Ethiopian society faces deep challenges and a strong Catholic Church is vital for meeting pastoral and social needs- including health and education and meeting the demands of the poor and vulnerable. Hence, the Church is committed to ensuring strong advocacy for addressing the growing needs in Ethiopia.
“So far, the Church has been responding to humanitarian and emergency demands in different conflict-affected areas and in times of natural and manmade disasters in various parts of the country,” Cardinal Berhaneyesus remarked.
Abba Teshome Fikre, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) on his part highlighted the Church’s strong commitment to strengthen its pastoral mission with concerted efforts to better serve society.
According to him, the Church remains an active player in humanitarian response and provides support to people in need. Supported by development partners and local allies, the Church has been reaching people affected by the Tigray War. “Also, we have made meaningful participation to address conflict ridden areas and people affected by natural and manmade disasters in Oromia, Amhara, SNNP, Afar and Somali states.”
Ethiopian Catholic Church Ten-Year Plan is said to comprise four components namely governance, pastoral ministry, social ministry and operations ministry- along with four systemic competencies.
Over 200 dignitaries, institutional representatives, Church leaders, diocesan staff, congregational representatives, lay and family association members and others took part at the launching ceremony.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2023
