ETHIOPIA: Peacebuilding Workshop in Ethiopia Focus on Ten-years Plan
Group Picture of participants of Peace Building Workshop
By Bezawit Assefa
The Ethiopian Catholic Church had a four-day Peacebuilding Workshop with Forty-five Catholic leaders, peace building experts, diocesan staff, and congregational representatives met from September 19-22, 2023. The workshop aimed to understand and analyze the context in the country, share promising approaches and best practices, and articulate the basis for a peace building strategy for the next ten years. This builds upon the Church-wide ten-year plan that was recently completed and will be launched in the coming months in which the Church in its social work takes a Triple Nexus approach, integrating humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding approaches.
His Excellency Abune Abraham, Bishop of Meki Vicariate mentioned in his opening address that Ethiopia is currently facing different situations which include violence, conflict, and extrajudicial killings which are taking many lives. His Excellency added, “We need to examine our conscience, each one of us – self-examination and introspection are essential, especially in light of who we are called to be in Scripture.” Continuing his speech, His Excellency recommended following the synodal journey we need more research and continue learning and walk together.
Abba Teshome Fikre noted that the workshop will increase the engagement of the Church in advocacy and lobbying for reconciliation and peace dialogue. The plan aims to engage and empower the laity and youth to promote dialogue and take part in peace-building. The Catholic Church in Ethiopia networking with all actors a peace-building policy will be developed through this time within the next ten years.
The Ten-year framework will address issues related to peace building giving priorities under the context of Ethiopia. During the workshop, it was mentioned that the church will work in all opportunities where dialogue, reconciliation, and peace promotions are possible.
Furthermore, peace-building cuts across all the Church does in her pastoral work as well, with many best practices shared from clergy and Church leaders alike.
Reconciliation, capacity strengthening, integration and reinforcing Catholic voice form the basis of the strategy – and key current efforts and strong roles by Catholic leadership in ecumenical and interreligious aim to be further explored at all levels including in parishes.
Scripture is clear in calling for the Church to be peacemakers (Mt 5:9), and the Ethiopian Catholic Church aims to meet this challenge fully.
