Welcome to the Inaugural SECAM Seminar: Strengthening Communion Among African Bishops
About fifty relatively new Catholic bishops from across Africa and its islands gathered for the inaugural SECAM seminar in Accra, Ghana, this week. The Accra seminar, which took place from 13 February 13 to 17 February, was organised by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) under the theme “Knowing and Owning SECAM.”
The aim of the seminar was to strengthen episcopal bonds of communion among African Bishops under the continental umbrella and provide an opportunity to reflect on their collective responsibility as Bishops. It also served as an introduction for new Bishops to SECAM as an association.
Embracing a Collective Mission
In his opening speech, Cardinal Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, urged the Bishops to embrace their collective mission beyond their dioceses and engage in shaping SECAM’s future. He emphasized the importance of acting as “the voice of the voiceless” and promoting justice, peace, and reconciliation in their communities.
Prophetic Voices for Peace and Justice
Cardinal Ambongo also addressed the critical challenges facing many African countries, including violence, terrorism, and political instability in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Sudan. He stated that “The Church cannot remain a passive observer” and urged Bishops to be prophetic voices advocating for peace and justice.
With the recent Synod on Synodality in mind, Cardinal Ambongo encouraged the Bishops to strengthen the synodal model of leadership at all levels. He highlighted the importance of hope in Africa and referenced the Jubilee Year theme “Pilgrims of Hope” as a reminder of the urgent need for solidarity and action.
Fostering Unity and Collaboration
The seminar not only introduced the Bishops to SECAM’s history and mission but also fostered unity and collaboration among the Church’s leaders in Africa. Distinguished guests, including Archbishop Julien Kabore, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, emphasized the importance of SECAM maintaining its identity as a symbol of communion and service.
“SECAM was founded with a mission to serve the local Churches of Africa, offering a unified response to the contemporary challenges facing our continent and our Church. It empowers the Church to speak with a single voice as a universal Sacrament of Salvation, reconciliation, justice, and peace,” said the Nuncio.
As the seminar concluded, it left a lasting impact on the Bishops, empowering them to continue their mission of spreading peace, justice, and hope throughout Africa.
