AMECEA Synod Implementation Consultation Conference Hosted in Ethiopia

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) had the honor of hosting the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Synod Implementation Consultation Conference in Addis Ababa.  AMECEA, which brings together Catholic bishops from nine Eastern African countries, serves as a platform for pastoral collaboration, solidarity, and shared mission in the spirit of synodality.

At the conclusion of the conference, CBCE organized a cultural and historical city tour for the delegates. The program began with a visit to the Adwa Museum, which commemorates Ethiopia’s historic victory at the Battle of Adwa (1896). This victory, where Ethiopian forces triumphed over an invading colonial army, remains a global symbol of African independence, unity, and dignity. The museum highlights the artifacts, stories, and legacy of this milestone in world history.

The delegation also visited the Addis Ababa Riverside and Corridor Development Project, which showcases the capital city’s transformation into a greener, more sustainable, and culturally vibrant metropolis. Following this, the bishops toured the Jubilee Palace, one of Ethiopia’s most distinguished landmarks, originally built during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1950s. Today, the palace functions as a museum, preserving Ethiopia’s political and cultural heritage while embodying the country’s journey toward modern statehood.

The day concluded with a reception hosted by His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus, President of the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, together with His Excellency Archbishop Brine Udagwe, Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia. The reception took place at the Japanese Garden within the Jubilee Palace. As a gesture of friendship and memory, each bishop received a handcrafted Ethiopian wooden cross and organic Ethiopian coffee, reflecting Ethiopia’s deep spiritual traditions and its globally cherished coffee heritage.

The Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference extends its deepest appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the Immigration and Citizenship Service, the Jubilee Palace Administration, and the Office of the Mayor of Addis Ababa for their invaluable support in making this international gathering and cultural program a success.