ETHIOPIA: Bishop Zziwa Interprets the Theme of the AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly
Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas and Bishop of Kyinda Mityana Diocese
The theme of the 19th AMECEA Plenary Assembly which is Vibrant Diversity, Equal Dignity, Peaceful Unity in God in the AMECEA Region, was confirmed by the AMECEA Executive board after consultation with the Member Episcopal Conferences, heads of AMECEA institutions and departments as well as the hosting Conference.
Presenting the rationale of the theme of the 19th AMECEA Plenary Assembly to the delegates Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, AMECEA Executive Board Member said that the major concern in the AMECEA region was the instability in most countries which comes as a result of social, political, religious or cultural differences.
“In every country, there are some disturbances and instabilities which need attention and discussions so as to find ways of bringing peace,” the Bishop expounded adding, “Some of the conflicts within our communities are related to tribalism or ethnic conflict. We have to know that our social background is not bad, tribes are not bad and our languages are not bad. All these were created by God and they are good. We thought that there was a need of discussing about our cultures and ethnic differences.”
He said that AMECEA Executive Board members sought to find ways of solving these challenges, so that in the diverseness of the region, all people should be appreciated and given equal dignity.
In relation to the theme, Bishop Zziwa who is also the Chairman of Justice, Peace and Caritas department at AMECEA expounded the sub-themes which constitute the main agenda of the plenary.
Vibrant diversity: The 19th AMECEA plenary chose on Vibrant Diversity to emphasize on the fact that AMECEA region is endowed with different races, tribes or ethnic groups, cultures, languages, life style and religions which are not always similar but were created by God and should be treasured. Diversity is therefore a sign of richness in the AMECEA Region.
Equal Dignity: As a sub-theme within the main theme of the plenary, the AMECEA region wished that every person be respected and accorded the dignity he or she deserves without discrimination.
Peaceful Unity: The richness in diversity should lead to unity and not division or conflict among the peoples living in AMECEA Region. In this case where there is respect, there is tranquility.
In God: The plenary wanted the message of diversity, equal dignity and peace to be embrace all people living in the AMECEA region and even beyond, that is Catholics, other Christians and non-Christians.
The prelate further explained the different symbols and signs of the 19th AMECEA plenary logo which comprise of; the cross as a sign of redemption, wounded heart of Christ as the source of love for every man, women and child, the colourful cloth which is made up of the flags of the member nations of the association, sign of the passion which is for grasping power through economic, violence of individuals, communities and countries, the nails as a symbol to fight drugs/substance abuse, gender violence and ethnic violence and the spear fight war and all its consequences.
According to Bishop Zziwa, the logo of the plenary was designed by a religious sister, Sr. Mary Joachim from the Apostolic Vicariate of Harar, Ethiopia. It was officially launched on 17th December, 2016.
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Sr. Antoinette Jecinter Okoth, FSSA
