SECAM: AMECEA Champions Implementation of the Synod on Synodality
By Magdalene Kahiu
Among its many activities, since the last plenary assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) has been implementing various initiatives in the region to ensure the successful realization of Synod on Synodality’s proposals, the Chairman has said.
Speaking at the 20th Plenary Assembly of SECAM in Kigali, Rwanda, Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde highlighted the publication of the book “A Synodal Church: Final Document Made Simple” as one of AMECEA’s efforts.
Bishop Kasonde said the association that comprises eight Episcopal Conferences across nine Eastern African nations has also developed tools such as songs and artwork to promote the synod’s message.
To ensure widespread dissemination and understanding, he said the materials are being translated into local languages in order to disseminate them at the grassroots levels.
AMECEA has also conducted training of trainers programs on synodality and is enhancing collaboration between the laity and clergy, the Bishop said on Friday, August 1, during the assembly held under the theme, “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace”.
Addressing more than 200 participants at the July 30-August 1 Plenary Assembly, Bishop Kasonde of Zambia’s Solwezi Diocese also highlighted AMECEA’s continued collaboration with SECAM.
He noted that AMECEA Online News has been “actively” publishing SECAM-related stories to reach the wider community.
The Zambian Bishop said the Association’s Executive Board Meetings always include an agenda on SECAM, and the communications from the symposium are normally shared with the Executive Board. He promised the region’s commitment to making its statutory contributions to SECAM.
Bishop Kasonde also highlighted what AMECEA has been engaged in since the 19th SECAM Plenary Assembly, saying the association has focused on putting into practice the message of the Encyclical, Laudato Si’, and it has also been working to strengthen the formation of the faithful “through strengthened Catechesis and Catechist formation.”
Additionally, AMECEA is “enhancing foundational commitment and knowledge on Safeguarding for Seminarians in houses of formation – seminaries.”
