SECAM: African Panelists to Emphasize on Synod Working Documents at Continental Stage Prior to Meeting in Ethiopia
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The continental body of bishops in Africa known as the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has planned for a webinar on synodality with panelists from different countries within the continent to emphasize on the synod working documents at continental stage, in preparation for the upcoming continental meeting to be held in Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the set meeting for Saturday, February 25, the Secretary General for the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Very Rev. Anthony Makunde who will be the guest speaker, will enlighten the online participants on the Document for the Continental Stage which is the fruit of the synthesis from the diocesan phase of the synod.
Another panelist Fr. Michael Mensah from the University of Accra, Ghana will share his reflections on the biblical icon of the working document for the continental stage focusing on its relevance and impact in the continental stage.
Consequently, one of the African Theologians Sr. Ester Lucas will explore the synodal journey “from diocesan synod to synod on synodality”, emphasizing more on the pastoral experience of communion, participation and mission which is the key theme for the three-year synodal journey.
Sharing with AMECEA Online about the preparedness towards the upcoming continental assembly, Fr. Dieu Donne Kofi SECAM’s Continental Communications Coordinator affirmed that the continent is ready to receive the delegates.
“I can say that we are prepared. All logistics have been put together to ensure a successful plenary assembly. Our hosts and the Continental Organizing Committee have put in a lot of effort to make the event a fruitful and a memorable one,” Fr. Kofi disclosed adding that, Regional Episcopal Conferences have been preparing their delegates to enable them participate fully in the assembly.
Fr Koffi who anticipates positive sharing from delegates from across the continent notes that the assembly “will enrich the Continental Document that can be owned by all Africans as speaking to the African situation.”
Narrating the significance of the upcoming event, Fr. Kofi underscored that “all Continental Episcopal Conferences are expected come together and produce a document that speaks to the situation of the Continent by reflecting prayerfully on the working Document for the Continental Stage,” an exercise expected to be carried out as the Universal Church prepares for the climax of the Synod in the month of October 2023 and then next year 2024.
According to the Communications Coordinator for the Synod at the Continental phase at SECAM, the event is expected to “bring together the representatives from all groups in the Church and other religious bodies from across the continent of Africa to have a final reflection on the African Synodal Document.”
He further disclosed that for the delegates traveling to Addis Ababa for the meeting, “the relevant authorities of Ethiopia have granted an application for visa on arrival for all participants,” hence no need to apply for E-Visa as the usual procedure would have required.”
