AMECEA: Bishops in AMECEA Commit to Strengthen Families, Enhance Safety of Children and Vulnerable
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
After a three-day training conference for bishops and safeguarding practitioners, from the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Catholic Bishops have promised among other commitments to strengthen families through the vibrant Small Christian Communities (SCCs) in the region to safeguard children and the vulnerable adults.
In a press statement read Thursday, July 4, by the AMECEA chairman Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde after the conclusion of the training, the delegates from the region and its affiliate country of Djibouti acknowledged that children and young people make up a significant proportion of AMECEA’s population and the Catholic Church has a responsibility to care for them.
“The church will work through Small Christian Communities to strengthen the capacity of families and children and enhance values and morals to ensure everyone’s safety,” Bishop Kasonde of Solwezi Diocese read the statement while flanked by other delegates from the region highlighting that they will strive to continually enhance the capacity of pastoral agents, staff, and affiliates at all levels, including national conferences and dioceses to better uphold the principles of safeguarding.
Aware that the Church has heavily invested in pastoral, educational, health care programmes and other development initiatives for the wellbeing of children, the over 25 delegates underscore that the region is ready to be more committed to preventing, detecting, and responding to all forms of abuses.
In their commitment to offering support to survivors, the Prelates appreciate the effort from Rome to come up with the “Memorare Initiative” which is funds given to assist the local Churches worldwide in training and capacity building in the prevention and protection of children and vulnerable adults and promise that through this initiative, they will “offer care and support through counseling, spiritual guidance, and rescue services.”
Besides, they will listen to survivors, validating their experiences, and ensuring they receive justice and healing to provide therapy and aid in the healing process for survivors of abuse.
For the successful realization of their plans, the bishops promise to review and update the best practices on safeguarding and align to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors Universal Guidelines Framework. At the same time, they said, “We commit to familiarize ourselves with church and civil documents on safeguarding and engage with our communities to promote awareness and education on child safeguarding. This includes workshops, seminars, and informational campaigns designed to foster a culture of vigilance and care.”
The delegates further expressed their concern on how abuse inflicts pain on victims and noted that they “strive to create a safe and nurturing church environment where faith can flourish, aspirations are nurtured, and potential is achieved.”
They urged all community members to join in this crucial mission to ensure a future where children and vulnerable adults are safe, cherished, and nurtured.
