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.