By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI, December 3, 2021 (CISA)- The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Department for Promotion of Integral Human Development, Justice and Peace coordinators convened from November 29 to December 2, at Donum Dei in Karen, for the Annual Consultative Forum to reflect on the various issues affecting the region.
In a statement signed by Rt Rev John Oballa Owaa, AMECEA Executive Board Member, the assembly of Bishops is concerned by the increasing conflicts in the region despite the bishops’ resolutions at their plenary in Addis Ababa in 2018.
“We are saddened by the conflict and violence going on in some of our Countries, especially in Ethiopia. Many people have died and property destroyed in the affected regions, peace which is the glory of humanity, deserves a chance. We urge the conflicting parties to desist from ethnic profiling, arbitrary arrests and to promote peaceful co-existence,” said AMECEA.
“AMECEA stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan as they attempt non-violence as a new style of politics for peace towards a democratic transition. We urge the concerned intergovernmental agencies to encourage the efforts towards a peaceful transition,” it adds.
AMECEA also praised the human ingenuity towards the development of vaccines, drugs and other interventions as commendable while also pointing out “the inequity in access to drugs and vaccines is however objectionable.”
“AMECEA region calls for equity in the distribution of Covid-19 drugs and vaccines across the globe. We continue to encourage the faithful and other people of goodwill to not only take the vaccine but also abide by the established practices and lifestyle necessary to enhance their immunity,” appealed AMECEA.
The Eastern Africa assembly of Bishops also discussed challenges regarding human trafficking, refugees and internal displacement, youth unemployment, radicalization and extremism, environmental challenges, governance and electioneering in the region.
AMECEA called for Dialogue with the people, with the Governments, with the Political leaders and with the Environment.
“The faithful and people of goodwill are urged to be proactive in prevention of conflict, intentional about peacemaking and peacebuilding. In response to the affected populations, all actors are called to solidarity by praying for the affected, making financial or material contributions and promoting forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful co-existence,” said AMECEA.
