In 2022, the Catholic Church in Ethiopia launched a first-ever institution-wide strategy development process, building upon individual, social, pastoral, sectoral and congregational plans. A key impetus was the recognition that humanitarian needs were rising around the country and that the Church needed to strengthen institutional capacities in order satisfy growing internal and donor requirements. The Vatican had set the stage with its worldwide Synod process, serving as an excellent model of listening, communicating, reflecting and moving forward in a consensual manner.

The context surrounding these efforts was challenging. Ethiopia was at war in the north, with conflicts emerging and reemerging throughout the process, while multi-year drought continued in the south, adding urgency to plan and move forward.

This document details how CRS supported the development of the first ever church-wide strategic plan in Ethiopia.