ETHIOPIA: Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia Holds Consultation Meeting on Synod 2021-2023
Bezawit Assefa
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia has held a consultation meeting on the Synod 2021-2023 from March 22-24, 2022, at the General Secretariat of the Conference in Addis Ababa.
His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus who is the Metropolitan Archbishop and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, plus all the Bishops, Pastoral coordinators of Dioceses, National Synod Stirring Committee members and staffs of the General Secretariat attended the consultation forum.
His Excellency Abune Mussie have briefly presented the history and tradition of Church synodality, the strength and the challenges of the Church in the process of implementing synodality through centuries.
He also explored the apostolic journey of the Church in the Apostolic Age, in the first and Second centuries, the Synodal Journey after the Second Vatican Council, and the Synod Church in the Third Century.
Commenting on the points mentioned by Pope Francis in his call for a “Synodal Church”, Abune Mussie calls up on all Bishops, priests, missionaries and the lay faithful to work together towards achieving the goal of the Journey to the Synodal Church. He also urges all to actively participate in the implementation of the processes guided by the Holy Spirit.
Dioceses and vicariates presented the challenges they have faced during the process so far. The National Stirring Committee on its part, said it will coordinate the consultation of dioceses and facilitate with the needed assistance.
In accordance with the international synod timeline, the consultation phase will be followed by preparation of the draft document.
The method for preparing the draft document was presented by Abba Gabriel W/Hana, National Pastoral Ministry Coordinator.
