Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lusaka (Agenzia Fides) - “You are the salt of the earth. you are the light of the world..” (Mt 5:13:14). This is the title of the final document that came out of the 16th Plenary Assembly of the AMECEA, an organization that includes members of the eastern African Bishops’ Conferences. The event was held in Lusaka (Zambia) June 27-July 7 and a copy of the final document was later sent to Agenzia Fides.
Enumerated in 15 points, the document begins with a greeting addressed to all men of good will, especially those living in the nations with members in AMECEA: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and the affiliated members of Djibouti and Somalia. After explaining the current crisis in eastern Africa, the Bishops mention that they were “greatly concerned” about the crisis in Zimbabwe and assured the local population there of their closeness in prayer.
The Assembly’s theme was: “Reconciliation through justice and peace,” and thus examined the most complex situations in light of this goal. The final document emphasizes that “does not have all the means to solve conflicts and tensions,” and yet given the present situation, she should continue to be prophetic, that is, “an agent of justice forgiveness and reconciliation.” “As shepherds, we believe reconciliation should be at the center of what the church does and should start from the heart of each person. As Christians we are all called upon to announce the Good News of Christ and denounce injustice wherever we are.”
The document recalls that “the gap between the rich and the poor is ever increasing,” and there are several factors that lead to high poverty levels in the countries of AMECEA, whether they be external or local, such as the inequitable distribution of resources, bad governance, corruption and conflicts and the spread of HIV and AIDS. “We take note of and appreciate the efforts of some of our government that uphold the rule of law and principles of good governance. We further commend those governments that have resolved their conflicts through peaceful reconciliation.” The Assembly has decided to establish regular contact on a national level, between the Church and members of Parliament, in order to maintain a constant and permanent dialogue and to assure that the Church can contribute positively on constitutional and legislative issues. They also hope to obtain an observer status at the African Union (AU).
The following point discusses the role that the mass media can play in the process of reconciliation, in the comprehension among peoples, and in promoting the unity of the human family. In light of this fact, the Bishops emphasized “improve communication in the church” and that “Catholic media promote messages of hope.”
In reference to the family, the Bishops of the AMECEA mention that the unity of families “must be protected, strengthened and supported because it is the back bone of any nation. The education of children, especially girls and empowerment of women in the region still remains a great challenge.”
The document continues with the following exhortation: “We urge the church institutions to prioritize the formation of leaders at all levels of society who are transformed by gospel values and can lead by example in the pursuit of justice and peace in our region and in Africa as a whole.” The Bishops are happy to note that several universities have been established and others a re being planned in the
AMECEA region, and emphasize the need for them to maintain a Catholic identity in their activities and to create a network of collaboration among them.
Given that the environment is a gift from God and all creation is sacred, the Bishops denounce the harm done to the environment, mainly caused by the industrialized nations and ask that all may work together to protect the environment. The theme of justice and peace also includes interreligious dialogue, which is why the document asks that all those working in the area of dialogue do so with a vision towards peace and the common good.
At the conclusion of the document, they thank all Christians in the region that support their local Church with their perseverance “despite the difficulties that they experience,” as well as all the cooperating partners of the dioceses and institutions, for their generosity over the years.
The Golden Jubilee of AMECEA will be celebrated in 2011, during the 17th AMECEA Plenary Assembly to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from June 27 to July 7 2011. They thank God for inspiring the founding fathers of AMECEA to create this “illustrious association of solidarity and pastoral collaboration.” The Bishops conclude by invoking the Apostle Saint Paul, asking that in this Year of Saint Paul that has just begun, that he may accompany them as they implement their action plans with the theme “reconciliation through justice and peace.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/07/2008)
