KENYA: KCCB Secretary General Encourages Linking AMECEA Theme to Spirit of Synodality

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

The Secretary General for Kenya Conference of Catholic bishops who happens to be former Secretary General for the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Fr Ferdinand Lugonzo, has recommended that the theme of the upcoming 20^th Plenary Assembly of bishops be connected to the spirit of the ongoing synod which is calling for communion, participation and mission.

“AMECEA is going for plenary at a time when the Church is focusing on synodality. It would be important that even though the themes are different, the bishops and the entire Church of AMECEA would think of the connection between living the message of Laudato Si’ and the theme of the Synod,” Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo shared with AMECEA online in an interview Saturday, April 30.

The ongoing Synod on Synodality which is expected to culminate in October 2023 is themed “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” while the plenary assembly for the AMECEA bishops is themed, “Environmental impact integral human development.”

According to Fr. Lugonzo, even though the Bishops’ 20^th Plenary Assembly is focused on environment, which is a theme borrowed from Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si, it would be meaningful if the Church in AMECEA region reflects on “how we can work together, participate in the work and take the message of Laudato Si as our mission in Eastern Africa.”

“I would expect that even those preparing for focused topics for presentations during the plenary, to link their presentations to the spirit of synodality,” Fr. Lugonzo shared during the Saturday interview adding that “This will prepare us in a better way to actualize the celebration of the Synod.”

Addressing the bishops concerning the ongoing synod and the focus on Laudato Si, the Kenyan cleric urges the prelates “to take this chance to bring to light their communion as AMECEA region to build on solidarity.”

Asked what can lead to a successful plenary being one who has organized and attended several of bishops’ plenary assemblies, Fr Lugonzo emphasized that the visit of Church leaders to a specific Conference should strengthen the faith of the people.

“As Tanzania conference prepares for the 20^th plenary assembly, it is very important to mobilize the Catholic population to participate and accompany the bishops in the plenary. That includes the spiritual aspect, breaking down the theme so the people can understand what message the plenary is bringing to them,” KCCB General Secretary elaborated.

He added, “this can be done through a number of workshops and seminars so people can reflect on the theme and come up with a clear analysis on how the message of Laudato Si’ has reached the grassroots. It should not only be at the national level but should also trickle down to Small Christian Communities (SCCs).”