AMECEA: The Distinctiveness of Ethiopia in Holding 19th Plenary Assembly

Ethiopia is one of the AMECEA country where the Catholic population is very small. Explaining during an interview, the Secretary General of AMECEA Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo said that the Catholics are about 0.8% of the entire population.

Since its commencement in 1960, AMECEA holds its plenary assemblies in different countries, and this year marks the first time Ethiopia will host the plenary.

According to Fr. Lugonzo, the work of the Catholic Church in the country contributed greatly to the choice of Ethiopia as the host of the 19th plenary assembly. “The question of the Catholic presence being small but contributing a lot in the social ministry of the Church to the population in Ethiopia makes it hold a very specific position,” he said.

Besides, migration is key in the life of Ethiopians hence the identified theme of “Vibrant Diversity, Equal Dignity, Peaceful Unity in God in the AMECEA Region” deems appropriate for unity to prevail in Ethiopia.

“Ethiopia is a country where there is a lot of movement of the young populations to the East and to other countries,” explains Fr. Lugonzo. “Therefore we are looking at Ethiopia as a place that can really fit the theme that was chosen, and also the fact that Ethiopia is the headquarter of the continent where the African union offices are situated. We feel that the presence of the Church in this region in Ethiopia specifically in Addis- Ababa is an opportunity for us to bring to the country the reality that the Catholic Church is bigger than the minority that Ethiopia has,” he expressed.

As a member of AMECEA, the minority percentage of Catholics in Ethiopia cannot bar the plenary to be held in the country and the presence of the Episcopate and other delegates during the plenary, adds to the voice in Ethiopia.

According to the General Secretary, choosing Ethiopia to be the host of the 19th plenary assembly is a great step because of the end result for the country.

“It is already positive that the choice of Ethiopia is bearing fruits of ecumenism, fruits of inter-religious dialogue and these were some of the objectives of taking the plenary to Ethiopia. We are encouraged that being the minority, they have joined together with other Churches, denominations and the entire country is hosting the AMECEA. We want to speak to our brothers of the other churches and other faiths that there is a lot we can achieve together if we address the problems affecting humanity,” Fr. Lugonzo concludes.

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Sr. Antoinette Jecinter Okoth, FSSA