By Fr. Johnston Mlambo
Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo — Regional Secretaries and National Secretaries of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) have gathered to discuss the ecclesiastical, social, and economic situations in African countries and their islands.
The meeting, held at Hôtel Saint François de Paul (St. Francis of Paul Hotel), owned by the Association of Central African Episcopal Conferences (ACERAC), is taking place in the Archdiocese of Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo (also known as Congo-Brazzaville).
Zimbabwe is represented by Rev. Fr. Tryvis Moyo, the Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The meeting is focusing on three main areas:
- Collaborating and sharing ideas in preparation for the SECAM meeting of bishops next year in Rwanda, which will also mark SECAM’s 60th anniversary.
- Discussing the ecclesiastical, social, and economic situations in the countries of Africa and its islands.
- Preparing a draft vision document for the Church in Africa for the next 25 years.
Delegates arrived yesterday and began the day with Morning Prayer at 0700 hrs, followed by Mass at 0730 hrs.
The Archbishop of Brazzaville, Bienvenu Manamika Bafoua Kouahou, celebrated the Mass.
Following the Mass, His Lordship Bishop Lucio A. Muandula of Mozambique, the deputy chairman of SECAM responsible for evangelisation, delivered the opening remarks.
The agenda continued with a conference on the achievements and challenges faced by the Church.
After a coffee break, the secretaries shared the socio-political and ecclesial situations in their respective regions, followed by a detailed conference elaborating on the achievements and challenges.
By the time of publication, the dignitaries were engaged in discussions about a collaborative document.
They made presentations based on responses to questions sent earlier this year, addressing various topics included in the document.
Commenting from Brazzaville, Fr. Tryvis Moyo said that the meeting was progressing very well.
“The meeting has been going very well. Conferences were really prepared for the meeting. A spirit of synodality is prevailing.
“We are using three languages: French, English, and Portuguese. After the language presentations, we will have plenary discussions. We are currently having presentations and will be going to the plenary next,” he said.
However, the meeting faced a challenge due to Congo Brazzaville’s rigorous visa requirements, which prevented some nations from being represented, highlighting an obstacle to networking within the Church in Africa.