Ethiopian Catholic bishops are urging a unified approach to address the country's violent conflicts. The bishops emphasized the importance of dialogue and reconciliation to achieve peace. They called on all parties involved in the conflicts to prioritize the well-being of civilians. The bishops' statement reflects growing concerns over the ongoing instability and violence in Ethiopia.
3 months ago
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) has issued a call for a "unified voice" to confront the escalating violent conflicts within the country 1 2. Following their 58th plenary assembly on July 13, the bishops emphasized that the current situation in Ethiopia necessitates collective action for peace 2. The Church expresses its profound grief and longing for peace among its faithful, urging continued prayer, fasting, and earnest work towards this goal 2.
The call for unity comes amidst grave concerns over persistent instability, particularly in the Tigray region. In March, Bishop Tesfasellassie Medhin of the Catholic Eparch of Adigrat warned of a potential "very bloody confrontation" involving Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea 2. This warning followed an internal split within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which led a rebel faction to seize control of Adigrat town 2.
The current tensions are a continuation of a devastating civil war that ravaged the Tigray area from November 2020 to November 2022 2. This conflict, primarily between the TPLF and the Ethiopian government (allied with Eritrea), resulted in an estimated half a million deaths due to violence, famine, and lack of medical access 2.
Beyond addressing the national conflicts, the CBCE also focused on internal Church matters during their assembly. Discussions included strengthening the Catholic Church's apostolic mission, its structure, institutions, and evangelization efforts 2. Plans are underway to appoint qualified priests and to foster a synodal spirit of "journeying together" with the faithful to enhance evangelization 2.
The bishops also welcomed newly ordained auxiliary Bishop Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa and Bishop Merhakristos Gobezayehu Getachew Yilma of the Vicariate Apostolic of Awasa 2. These appointments are expected to enhance shared Church responsibilities, introduce new ideas for addressing challenges, and strengthen various services 2. Additionally, the new apostolic nuncio to Ethiopia, Archbishop Brian Ngozi Udaigwe, was welcomed, expressing his commitment to collaborate in the Church's mission 2.
How does the Church promote peace and reconciliation?
The Catholic Church promotes peace and reconciliation through various means, rooted in its mission to continue Christ's work of redemption and its social doctrine. This promotion involves proclaiming the Gospel of peace, fostering dialogue, advocating for justice, and encouraging the conversion of hearts .
The Church sees the promotion of peace as an integral part of its mission, considering itself a "sacrament" or sign and instrument of peace in the world . It proclaims Jesus Christ as peace itself and calls every baptized person to be a peacemaker and a credible witness to a reconciled life . This involves presenting a "culture of love and of life," restoring hope in the transforming power of love lived in unity . The Church's social Gospel emphasizes the need for reconciliation, dialogue, and fraternal acceptance of every human person .
Dialogue is a key method the Church employs to build consensus and agreement for a just, responsive, and inclusive society . The Church's social doctrine consistently calls for dialogue among all members of the world's religions to seek appropriate forms of cooperation for peace . Religious differences should not be a cause of conflict; instead, the shared quest for peace among believers is a vital source of unity . The Church invites believers of other religions to dialogue and encourages effective witness to shared human values .
The Church understands that true peace is intrinsically linked to justice . It presents a new justice, the justice of the Kingdom of God, and continues to speak on social themes as long as any injustice exists in the world . The Church's commitment to peace and justice, care for creation, and intercultural and interreligious dialogue are integral to its evangelizing mission . This includes defending life and human rights, promoting a proper ordering of society, upholding the dignity of work, and advocating for a fair and supportive economy . The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, for instance, is specifically tasked with promoting justice and peace in the world in accordance with the Gospel and the Church's social teaching .
The Church recognizes that peace takes root not only in institutions and structures but, most importantly, in the depths of the human heart . It believes that the great change society needs can only come about if there is first a conversion of each individual heart, which is a condition for necessary changes in societal structures . This conversion to God and the practice of forgiveness are seen as essential for responding to Christ's invitation to become "children of God" and for achieving boundless peace . The Church supports and encourages peace initiatives globally, while also acknowledging that peace remains a fruit of the Spirit that must be constantly implored from God .
In summary, the Church promotes peace and reconciliation by actively proclaiming the Gospel, engaging in dialogue with all people, advocating for social and international justice, and emphasizing the fundamental need for individual spiritual conversion and the practice of virtues that foster unity .