KENYA: Church in AMECEA Region Committed To Protection of Children, says Archbishop Chama
Most Rev. Ignatius Chama, Archbishop of Kasama Zambia
The Chairman of AMECEA Pastoral Department Most Rev. Ignatius Chama has reaffirmed the commitment of the Catholic Church in AMECEA Region towards protection of the right to survival and development of every child in the region following the launch of AMECEA Child Safeguarding Standards and Guidelines.
Speaking during the function in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 29, Archbishop Chama who is also the Archbishop of Kasama Archdiocese in Zambia observed that though highly treasured and valued, children still face numerous challenges particularly in Africa.
“High mortality rates, hunger, disease and the negative impact of conflicts and calamities both natural and man-made – all continue to impact negatively to the quality of lives of children. The reality of abuse of minors is an ever-present threat to the well-being of children,” Archbishop Chama offered.
He explained that abuse of children includes all forms of physical or emotional and sexual ill-treatment resulting to actual or potential risk to a child’s health and development.
Archbishop Chama indicated that the Church in AMECEA Region is firmly resolved promoting the integral development of each and every child by working closely with State and non-state actors to protecting the right to survival, ensuring every child is accorded a dignified life.
“Through this launch of the Child Safeguarding Guidelines and Standards, the Church in AMECEA region firmly communicates her strong resolve to join the universal Church in establishing fair and just systems and structures that listen to the voice of the children and persons of good will who voluntarily raise complaints and concerns regarding an abuse of a minor.”
ahead of the launch of AMECEA Child
Safeguarding Standards and Guidelines
The Archbishop believes that the AMECEA Child Safeguarding Standards and Guidelines will form a basis for the establishment of not only comprehensive child safeguarding policies in all the Dioceses and Institutions but also that the region shall be “a light set on a hill to illuminate all who are committed to implement child safeguarding initiatives.”
He therefore urged everyone involved to utilize these guidelines in their fullness for the betterment and safety of all children in the region and beyond.
Earlier during the Eucharistic celebration in his homily, Archbishop Chama warned the various stakeholders from member episcopal conferences that formulating policies may be the right way to approach the issue of child protection but if they are not rooted in the Spirit who guides us, then the efforts will be fruitless.
“Even as we launch these guidelines, it is important that we listen to Jesus who is assuring us of the presence of his Spirit in our ordinary day to day life and this includes how we safeguard the children and other vulnerable people,” he said adding that “It is the Spirit who enlightens us in the truth, who broadens our vision and helps us to recognize God’s will for us in the signs of the time in the aeropagus of today.”
~End~
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
