Letter of Solidarity to President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia After Signing of Peace Agreement, November 9, 2022

November 9, 2022

His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel
Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa
President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Your Eminence:

On September 28, 2021, as Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I wrote you to offer our solidarity as you and the people of Ethiopia struggled to survive the horrible conflict that had broken out.  Today I write to express our ecclesial solidarity with you and the people of Ethiopia upon the signing of the Agreement for Lasting Peace Through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities between the Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan representatives in Pretoria on 2 November. 

It is my hope that this agreement brings an end to the fighting in Tigray and the start of the long process of disarmament, provision of humanitarian assistance, and healing of the hundreds of thousands of people who have suffered from the violence.

I realize that you now face the daunting challenge of ‘winning the peace’ by rebuilding the social cohesion of your country that has been torn apart by this conflict.  We pray that the Prince of Peace will guide you in this search for national healing and reconciliation. 

I welcome your thoughts and ideas on how the United States Government and our Committee can assist you in this process.  We are ready to support and work with you as you travel along the road back to peace and reconciliation.

May the Almighty guide you and grant you and the people of Ethiopia the peace that can only come from His divine intervention.

Fraternally yours in Christ,

 

Most Reverend David J. Malloy
Bishop of Rockford
Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

 

Letter of Solidarity to President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia After Signing of Peace Agreement, November 9, 2022.pdf