Breakfast with Cardinal Souraphiel
The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, recently partnered with Catholic Mission in Perth to host a breakfast with Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, Archbishop of Addis Ababa. It was part of a larger visit to promote the work of the Church in Ethiopia. The breakfast was attended by ACAN representatives and the Walk Free Foundation which produces the Global Slavery Index.
Francis Leong, Director of Catholic Mission for Perth engaged in a conversation-style interview with the Cardinal, inviting him to reflect on significant periods and moments of his life, including his imprisonment at the hands of the Ethiopian Communist government. This involved a month in solitary confinement and the moment he was surprised to learn that he was nominated for the role of Cardinal. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in February 2015.
After setting the background of Ethiopia’s long and rich history, the Cardinal spoke about the challenge of material poverty in a country where 70% of the population are under the age of 30. Modern slavery is a serious and significant issue in Ethiopia, affecting many who are attracted by false promises of opportunity and good work. Young women and girls, many of whom seek a dignified life after a forced or failed arranged marriage are especially vulnerable to these cruel deceptions.
The Cardinal says that long-term education and vocational training programmes are crucial measures to prevent modern slavery and to secure the future of those vulnerable or already trapped. He explained that it would take several generations of education to take real effect in families of those who are materially poorest so they can advocate for themselves and their communities to employers, the authorities and lawmakers. The Cardinal explained, however, that there is change – and therefore hope – as he noted the significant leadership roles now undertaken by women in his country.
He highlighted the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness and shared how he met with several of his captors years after his arrest. He even advocated for their death sentences to be commuted. He also emphasised that we can and should all learn from people experiencing poverty, especially in matters of humanity.
The Cardinal challenged everyone to learn more about modern slavery in Ethiopia and Africa, but also in Asia, South America and Europe. He said our individual impacts can be meaningful if we choose what we buy and how we spend our money thoughtfully. By way of example, he pointed to the labels in some of our clothes – ‘Designed in Australia. Made in Ethiopia’. While Ethiopia’s garment and manufacturing industry is receiving substantial investment from overseas, the benefits are not enjoyed by all and low wages, high unemployment and poor conditions prevail.
Catholic Mission is planning a Christmas Reflection event that will be livestreamed on Saturday 10 December this year from the Aquinas College Chapel in Perth. Fittingly, 10 December is United Nations Human Rights Day, an appropriate day both to raise awareness of modern slavery and to also touch people’s hearts through the combined beauty of Words and Music. The Christmas Reflection will support the anti-slavery prevention work of Catholic Mission partners in Thailand.
