Inter Church Urban Concern (ICUC)
The Inter-Church-Urban-Concern (ICUC) held its Congress on August 27, 2011 with the presentation of Dr. Wayne “Coach” Gordon, President of Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), Chicago, USA. CCDA is an ICUC partner. The major objective of the congress was to hear “Churches response for the Homelessness”. During the Congress after different denominational groups (Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic Churches) represented their churches by leading the programmes with worship and prayers. ICUC’s background history, and the challenges faced in the 17 years of ICUC were presented. When focusing on the homelessness issue it was relevant to give background facts and figures of present socio-economic status of Addis Abeba – that was done by Professor Tegene G/Egizabher, Chairman of IHA-UDP Board of Directors.
Dr. Wayne Gordon, as a key note speaker, gave a talk basing his subject on “Who is my neighbor?” from Our Lord’s important parable of the Good Samaritan. A short film was presented to give some ideas of the hardship of the life of the homeless in Addis Abeba. A very interesting session followed with interactive discussions which ended by closing the conference with an appeal to all the Trinitarian church representatives to contribute towards the maintenance of the Empress Zewditu’s tomb which is offered by the Orthodox Church as the first exemplary transitional shelter for the homeless. It is hoped to house upto 60 beneficiaries. Around 70 people participated in the congress. Dr. Wayne Gordon closed the half day conference with prayers.
Wayne Gordon presenting at ICUC
