Patriarch Paulus of Orthodox Ethiopian Church tells Synod of African woes
(Oct. 06, 2009): “Africa has received from God many gifts and Ethiopia in particular
is the cradle of mankind, but unfortunately today the African Continent lacks the
basic necessities of food and drinkable water”, said Patriarch Abuna Paulus of the
Orthodox Ethiopian Church. Addressing the 3rd congregation of the African
synod in the Vatican on Tuesday morning, the Patriarch said Africa is potentially
a wealthy continent with natural resources, among them precious minerals, and in the
past it was colonized and exploited, but sadly even today, many remember Africa only
when they need its resources. The Patriarch lamented that people have not supported
the continent in its struggle for development. The Patriarch said Africa is enchained
by heavy global debts that both the current generation nor the future one can bear;
the living standard of the African peoples is getting lower, the basic necessities
of food and drinkable water are not available, and lack of education prevents youth
from better opportunities to help the continent achieve development and prosperity.
Stating that the HIV/ AIDS pandemic is severely wounding Africa, and at the
same time other diseases are threatening the continent, Patriarch Paulus called
on the world to work in harmony to help the people. He also spoke strongly against
civil wars, which he said are usually fought by child soldiers, although the international
law clearly states that anyone under 18, cannot be a member of an armed group. He
called on all religious leaders to defend the children and protect Africa’s rich
natural resources. Patriarch Paulus hoped that ethical guidance and solutions will
come through the October 4-25 Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa,
the theme of which is “The Church in Africa at the service of reconciliation, justice
and peace”.