By Charles Igwe
In Nairobi this week, representatives from the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) have convened for the seventh joint seminar, an initiative that commenced in 2004 to strengthen communion and solidarity between the Churches of Africa and Europe.
Under the theme “Synodality: Africa and Europe Walking Together,” the seminar, running from January 23 to 26, focuses on fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. SECAM’s Secretary General, Fr Rafael Simbine Junior, highlighted the seminar’s evolution into a vital platform for collaboration.
With a special emphasis on listening to the voices of young people in both continents, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the Church’s future, the event builds upon past discussions while looking toward new horizons in the Church’s mission within an increasingly globalized context.
Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo of Nairobi inaugurated the proceedings, followed by introductory remarks from the presidents of SECAM and CCEE. Key aspects of the seminar include discussions on the emerging Synodal Church in the context of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Constitution ‘Praedicate Evangelium’ and insights into the continental impressions of the first session of the Synod on Synodality held in Rome in October 2023.
Notable keynote speakers include Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, Archbishop Gintaras Grusas of Vilnius, Bishop Lucio Andrice Muandula of Xai-Xai, Archbishop Alexandre Joly of Rennes, and Bishop Bernardine Francis Mfumbusa of Kondoa.
The second day of the seminar focuses on discussions around “How the Church can listen to young people in Africa and Europe in light of the synodal process,” concluding with the release of the final statement and a closing Mass on Friday.
Fr Simbine emphasized the seminar’s commitment to the spirit of synodality and mutual enrichment between the Churches of Africa and Europe. In the face of unprecedented global changes and challenges, the collaborative efforts take on added significance, serving as a platform for shared learning and cooperative action between these two vital components of the Universal Church.
