ETHIOPIA: Catholic Church in Ethiopia Approves First Three-year Execution Phase of Ten-year Plan
Appreciation to Mr. Scott Lefevre
Bezawit Assefa
The Ethiopian Catholic Church held a validation workshop from April 16th to 19th, 2024 at Saint Francis Retreat Center, to assess the first three-year phase of its ten-year strategic plan. This plan, initiated two years ago, encompasses various sectors including Church Governance, Social Development, Church Operations, Education, Health, and Communications and Advocacy.
The workshop involved a comprehensive evaluation of planned activities in these areas, with a focus on strengthening evaluation practices and ensuring safeguarding and inclusivity across all service areas. Participants engaged in individual and joint evaluations of sector plans, providing constructive suggestions for improvement. These suggestions will be incorporated into the respective sector plans by designated representatives.
During the validation workshop, Cardinal Berhaneyesus spoke on behalf of the absent bishops including Bishop Tesfasillasie of Adigrat, Bishop Tsegaye (former Bishop of Sodo), Bishop Roberto of Gambella, Bishop Angelo Antollini of Harar, Bishop Abraham of Meki, and Bishop Angelo Pagano, Apostolic Administrator of Robe.
Cardinal Berhaneyessus has emphasized that the Ten-Year Plan is a product of the synodal process, guided by the Holy Spirit. He then highlighted the need for prayer, as the Ethiopian Church urgently requires additional Bishops, particularly in the dioceses of Hawassa and Nekemet. He further emphasized the Ethiopian Catholic Church’s collaborative efforts with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church and the Evangelical Churches to significantly improve humanitarian aid delivery across the country. He stressed the importance of the Church acting as a unified voice for all, particularly in advocating for justice and peace, embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ as the “salt and light” of the earth.
Following Mr. Scott’s presentation of the next steps for the ten-year plan and the first three years to the participants who included bishops, provincials, Religious men and women representatives, laity and youth, partners, and officials from the general secretariat and dioceses, a collective commitment was made to actively implement ownership of the plan.
Upon the adjournment of the conference, the assembly formally acknowledged and expressed its appreciation to Mr. Scott Lefevre for his dedicated service to the General Secretariat, specifically his instrumental role in the development and implementation of the Ten-Year Plan.
