The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has organized a five day seminar for the new bishops ordained across Africa and its islands in the past three years (2022- 2024).
The seminar, themed: “Knowing and Owing SECAM”, at the Erata Hotel in Accra, Ghana commenced on 13th February, 2025 and will end on 17th February, 2025.
This aims to welcome the newly appointed bishops into SECAM, emphasizing their vital role in the growth and mission of the organization.
During the opening ceremony on 14th February, 2025,His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo,, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM highlighted the importance of understanding and embracing SECAM as a means to strengthen collective identity among African Bishops.
He said, “SECAM was founded by African bishops, for African bishops, as a structure designed to foster unity, collaboration, and mutual support among episcopal conferences. This is particularly vital in a continent characterized by cultural, linguistic, and socio-political diversity.”
In the spirit of Synodality and the jubilee Year, Cardinal Ambong encouraged the new bishops to foster communion in their various countries.
“I address you as a brother, one who has been entrusted with the responsibility of presiding over SECAM and fostering communion and collaboration within the Church in Africa, Madagascar, and the surrounding islands. I encourage you to embrace a life and mission rooted in communion, cooperation, and shared responsibility, particularly within our continental institution, SECAM”, he said.
In addition, he advised members of SECAM to “ enhance SECAM’s impact by providing feedback and ensuring effective communication,” which can help increase its relevance across the continent.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana emphasized the significance of SECAM’s mission to serve local churches across the continent, highlighting its role as a unified voice for salvation, reconciliation, justice, and peace.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ 2019 address to SECAM members, he cautioned against large bureaucratic structures that risk distancing the Church from its people.
“Experience teaches that large bureaucratic structures tend to approach problems in the abstract, thereby risking a distancing of the Church from its people. Therefore, it is vital to remain concrete and in touch with reality”. ~Pope Francis
He reiterated the need for members of SECAM to foster communion and unity in the church, stating, “ It is imperative that SECAM continues to uphold its foundational identity as a dynamic and creative spirit of communion, unwaveringly dedicated to serving all, especially the most vulnerable”.
In his remarks, he placed special emphasis on the youth, who represent approximately 60% of Africa’s population, urging fellow bishops to provide guidance and support to young people, warning against new forms of “colonization” that threaten their identity and values.
Most Rev. Julien Kaboré also highlighted the importance of investing in education as a means to combat injustice and foster a peaceful society.
He said, “The most effective remedy to these harmful forces is a robust investment in education, something the Catholic Church has always championed. Education not only helps to combat the prevalence of injustice, violence, and ethnic division but also fosters the development of a more just and peaceful society.”
SECAM was established in July 1969 in Gaba, Uganda. According to its Statutes (Article 3), SECAM exists to preserve, foster, and promote communion, joint action, and collaboration among all the Episcopal Conferences across Africa and Madagascar. It serves as a collegial platform where bishops come together to discuss, discern, and make decisions on matters affecting the Church in Africa.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
