ETHIOPIA: Missio Germany Pledges Continuous Collaboration with the Church in AMECEA Region
Hans-Peter Hecking, Missio Aachen
Missio Germany has commended its collaboration with the Church in AMECEA Region and pledged to continue in the same spirit for the years to come. Both Missio Aachen and Missio Munich have affirmed that their collaboration with AMECEA Countries is based on true mutual inter-ecclesial dialogue whereby both are bound to give and to receive.
Missio Munich President Msgr. Wolfgang Huber and Missio Aachen’s Hans-Peter Hecking, both gave the assurance of continued support to the Church in AMECEA Region while delivering their solidarity messages to the AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly currently going on in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
of the AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly
“Our collaboration with AMECEA Countries is not only based on our willingness and capability of material and financial support; therefore we have a good reason to look back with gratitude on the trustful co-operation that has continued to exist between us,” Hans-Peter said adding that Missio-Aachen has placed comparatively great importance on assistance to the Church in the AMECEA Region.
His sentiments were echoed by Msgr. Huber who said that as a Catholic Church, it is important to share faith and live in solidarity as a family of God.
“Our relationship is very important because we are not an NGO; we are one church, therefore as Missio Munich we work to empower the local church by supporting the dioceses, promoting education and formation, peace building especially reconciliation and care for the environment among others,” Msgr. Huber explained.
While appreciating the invitation by AMECEA to participate in the 19th Plenary Assembly and the warm hospitality they have received from the Ethiopian Catholic Church, both Msgr. Huber and Hans-Peter expressed hope that their Local Church in Germany will reciprocate the hospitality to the Ethiopian delegates who will be invited to attend their World Mission Sunday Campaign event scheduled for October under the theme “God is our refuge and our strength“.
“As ambassadors of this Local Church, sisters and other lay people, priests and bishops will come to help Missio in Aachen and Munich to raise awareness about human togetherness and Christian solidarity not only within the universal Church but with people worldwide,” said Hans-Peter.
Missio Munich
He explained that Missio Aachen and Missio Munich intend to demonstrate to others how generously countries in the AMECEA Region receive people from neighboring countries affected by crisis, and how the Catholic Church, through its tireless efforts, gives hope to those who seek shelter, and thereby lets them experience God.
“Serving the weakest of our societies, the Church shows its conviction that across all racial boundaries and religious affiliation we ought to form one community in God – a community of vibrant diversity, a community of people of equal dignity, and a community of peaceful unity. Building up this community is our missionary mandate and obligation as followers of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Both Missio Aachen and Missio Munich are looking forward to work together with AMECEA member conferences on the implementation of the Theme of the 19th AMECEA Plenary Assembly: Vibrant Diversity, Equal Dignity Peaceful Unity in God in the region.
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By Pamela Adinda, Addis Ababa
