AMECEA: Other Christian Churches and Continents Treasure Small Christian Communities in AMECEA
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Christian Churches other than the Catholic Church as well as other continents across the globe have realized the significance of Small Christian Communities (SCCs) and expressed the desire to establish the same for the growth of their Churches, the Secretary General of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) has said.
Addressing over 25 pastoral agents within the AMECEA during a two-day training aimed to strengthen SCCs in the region, Fr. Anthony Makunde shared with participants the value of SCCs which “others are admiring and is gold for the Church.”
“You need to know that Small Christian Communities is a powerful tool. There are people from Europe and the US (United States) who have come all the way to learn and experience more about Small Christian Communities from AMECEA region and borrow a leaf from us,” Fr. Makunde told participants drawn from AMECEA member conferences comprising of leadership of Catholic women Association (CWA), the Catholic Laity, pastoral coordinators, youth representatives and the pastoral council.
He continued, “other Christians who are aware of what the Catholics are doing so they came to ask how they too can learn more about SCCs. Right now, they have vibrant and active SCCs as places for prayer and Bible reflection which are even stronger that the Catholic SCC’s.
The Secretary General further reminded the pastoral agents the essence of nurturing SCCs in the region to revive the original spirit which AMECEA bishops had 50 years ago.
“Even though we are marking 50 years of Small Christian Communities, this group needs to be nurtured and strengthened. The type of trainings and accompaniment that was being done in the 70’s and 80’s should be encouraged so that every time new leaders are elected, they get into the system and be conversant with the mechanisms of guiding SCCs,” Fr. Makunde explained and stressed that “this should be an ongoing process as we look into a number of areas that need to be revisited as we celebrate the golden Jubilee.”
The two-day training on 20th and 21st August, was conducted at the secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) after the golden jubilee launch.
In conclusion the Secretary General appreciated the lay faithful for their dedication and love for the Church saying, “I have come to realize that the local people love their Church dedicatedly and I pray for continued inspiration and protection of the Holy Spirit as you witness God’s faith. Know that SCC’s is like a net that catches all people even non-Catholics who wants to join the Catholic Church they find the entry point through SCCs because of the neighborhood and familiarity.”
