ETHIOPIA: Catholic Bishops: “No Mission Without Joy, No Joy Without Peace, No Peace Without Justice”
By: Bezawit Assefa
During their 57th Ordinary Assembly, the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops addressed the pressing challenges of ongoing conflicts and economic hardships in the nation. They called on leaders, politicians, and society to engage in meaningful dialogue and demonstrate authentic leadership to foster peace and unity.
As the Ethiopian Catholic Church entered the first week of Advent, the bishops encouraged Catholics and all citizens to embody the spirit of the season by lighting the symbolic candles of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Bishop Lesanu-Christos, Bishop of the Eparchy of Bahirdar-Dessie and Communications President for the conference, expressed the bishops’ grave concern over Ethiopia’s unstable situation. He emphasized that Advent serves as a time for spiritual preparation and reconciliation to receive the King of Peace.
Drawing on the words of Isaiah 1:18—“Come now, let us reason together”—the bishops released a pastoral message addressing the far-reaching impacts of the crises, which include displacement, family separation, infrastructure destruction, and fractured communities in war-torn regions.
They noted the lingering impact of these crises, including widespread displacement, family separation, infrastructure destruction, and fractured communities, especially in war-torn regions. They advocated the need for courage and empathy to face the country’s harsh realities with honesty and compassion
Many parishes and pastoral centers have become inaccessible or have been forced to close due to insecurity.
Similarly, Catholic health centers, schools, and other charitable institutions have faced destruction, and their staff have been forced to evacuate.
The bishops called on Christian communities to pray for those suffering, particularly Catholic faithful who have been deprived of pastoral care due to the ongoing crisis. The message highlights that there is “No Mission Without Joy, No Joy Without Peace, No Peace Without Justice”.
Reflecting on the words of Isaiah—“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”(Isaiah 9:6)—the bishops expressed hope for a new era where love overcomes hate and light triumphs over darkness.
The bishops urged everyone to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation as a way of life. They called for an end to division and conflict by rejecting tools of war, hatred, and destruction. Instead, they encouraged collective efforts to build peace and justice, saying “YES” to unity and dialogue and “NO” to division.
They stressed that “true leadership is shown in listening, in seeking truth, and in working tirelessly for the common good.”
The bishops discussed and outlined directives, urging everyone to extend compassion and solidarity to those in despair, the wounded, and individuals enduring profound trauma, offering hope and healing amidst the challenges.
