Intervention of Mons. Menghisteab TESFAMARIAM, Eparch of Asmara (ERITREA)
H. Exc. Mons. Menghisteab TESFAMARIAM, M.C.C.J., Eparch of Asmara (ERITREA)
The
woes and tribulations afflicting most of the African Continent, namely, the ongoing
conflicts, injustices, human rights violations, lack of religious freedom, persecutions,
exploitation of human and natural resources, different kind of diseases, poverty,
unemployment, displacement, brain drain and human trafficking, are sufficiently know
and publicized. These, and I speak from experience, are caused by internal and external
forces of hunger for power and an unrestrained greed for possessions. The family
as the first and smallest nucleus of any society and Christian community is the first
and indispensable school of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. For it is in the family
that one learns the sense of belonging and identity, and the values of solidarity,
sharing, respect for others, hospitality, togetherness, etc It is true that the
largest number of refugees and displaced people is found in Africa. It is also true
that many Africans are stili trying to cross deserts and seas in order to reach lands
where they think they will get better education, more money, and especially greater
freedom. There is great need of pastoral care for these vulnerable groups of people.
Our Synod must urge that the Churches of origin and the Churches who host them need
to have much closer collaboration. However, emigration of Africans has not started
recently. There are now many Africans who have successfully established themselves
in the developed world. If motivated by us, they are ready to make their contribution
towards the improvement of life in their countries of origin. We must not exclude
them from being involved in developing Africa's potentials. In close collaboration
with our sister Churches in Europe, America and Australia we have to bring them aboard
in the efforts to move Africa forward, both humanly and spiritually. If the African
Family and the Africans in Diaspora are going to help the Church become "salt of the
earth and Light of the world", then we have to make sure that a very effective basic
and on-going formation is given to ali our Pastoral agents. Especially in this Year
of the Priesthood it is vital that ali the members of the presbyteriate be fully aware
of their call to become holy ministers of reconciliation, credible advocates of justice
and faithful bearers of Christ's peace.