H. Exc. Mons. Abraham DESTA, Titular Bishop of Orrea di Aninico, Apostolic Vicar of
Meki (ETHIOPIA)
Women are committed members of our Church. There is no doubt
that their engagement to this point testifies to this fact. I believe that empowered
by theological training, and training in Canon Law and the Social Doctrine of the
Church they can play a better role beyond the traditional activities they have been
engaged in as active and integral members of the Church. Such training could deepen
their understanding of their motherhood related values within the wider spectrum of
salvation history. This could better inform and enrich their specific choices in the
planning and implementation of strategic actions for reconciliation, justice and peace
in the families, small Christian communities, parishes, dioceses and beyond. Their
formation in Theology, Canon Law and the Social Doctrine of the Church should empower
them to play their specific and comparable role in designing appropriate and relevant
catechetical and pastoral programmes, in collaboration with respective pastors and
theologians, for children, the youth, women and family. It should enable them to develop
a deeper understanding and appreciation of the matrix of relationships and roles within
the hierarchy of the Church for appropriate collaborative ministry in the service
of reconciliation, justice and peace. Moreover, their training in theological,
canonical studies and the Social Doctrine of the Church should enable them to discover
the sources and tools for designing relevant formation and advocacy programmes for
reconciliation, justice and peace especially at the level of the family, small Christian
communities, Christian women associations, youth and different associations of Christian
professionals. The primary role of the trained and theologically empowered women
should become catalysts of change of the overall attitude regarding our mothers and
sisters and build their capacity to play their God-given active role in participating
in the leadership and decision making processes at all levels of Church and society
to bring about real reconciliation through justice and peace in our African society.
It is important to emphasize the fact that without the full participation of women
in their various levels and capacity the work of reconciliation, justice and peace
can never be complete and bring the desired fruits in our Church and the future society
of Africa.