The Fifth Plenary Assembly of the Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) concluded on May 11, 2025, in Dakar, with a call for a synodal and self-reliant Church.
The assembly brought together 148 participants, including two Cardinals, 101 Archbishops and Bishops, 27 priests, five members of religious life, and 13 lay faithful.
The theme of the assembly, “For a synodal and self-reliant Church at the service of justice and peace in West Africa,” emphasized the importance of the ongoing Synod on Synodality and the current issues going on in West Africa.
The message, delivered by Most Rev Alexis Touabli Youlo, Secretary General of RECOWA, emphasized the importance of walking together in co-responsibility and seeking the Holy Spirit for guidance.
He stated, “…the Lord calls us in this time to renew our way of being Church: not as a fixed structure, but as a people on the move, listening to the Spirit. It is in this synodal dynamic that we are invited to move forward together, united in diversity, carried by the same faith and the same mission”.
He also encouraged a spirit of humility and mutual trust among all members of the Church as they work together to evangelize and support one another.
“This is not a simple sharing of tasks, but a profound commitment to carrying out the mission of evangelization together, in mutual trust, complementarity, respect, and acceptance of charisms”, he added.
In the spirit of synodality, he urged local communities to share its gifts and resources, highlighting the idea that no community is isolated but rather part of a larger body united in faith.
Additionally, Most Rev. Alexis Youlo noted that the church must be a self-sustaining Church where resources are generated from within, to help foster shared responsibility between the faithful and leaders of the church.
He said, “This Church embodies remarkable spiritual and organizational maturity. It does not depend solely on external support or distant patrons to carry out its mission, but relies primarily on the concrete commitment of its members. This autonomy, which is not only financial, but also cultural and pastoral, aims to foster shared responsibility between the faithful and leaders, anchoring the Church in its local reality. ”
He also added, “However, this independence requires a strong culture of transparency, virtuous management, and sustainable solidarity. ”
By: Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
