50 Years History of AMECEA Booklet

Chapter OneTHE HISTORY OF AMECEAAMECEA stands for “Association of the inevitable changes Vatican II wasMember Episcopal Conferences in Eastern ushering in?Africa” It is a Catholic service organizationfor the National Episcopal Conferences • Were the African clergy and religiousof the eight countries of Eastern Africa, prepared enough to take over and runnamely Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, the Church successfully and confidently?Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.Djibouti and Somalia are affiliate members. There was therefore both a sense of pro- activeness as well as fear and anxiety on theThe association enables the Bishops’ part of the missionaries whose time, theyConferences of these countries to do together believed, was running out.what they could not do alone and offersthem the machinery to work together on Already before the Second Vaticana regional basis. Council the Bishops of Eastern Africa began having informal ways of meeting to1.1 Quest for collaboration and discuss issues such as formation of Africansolidarity in the region clergy, pastoral issues, especially Catholic education, which were vital to the missionThere were winds of change happening of the Church during that time of colonialin both the Church and society during the rule. But there was no established formal1950s in this region. During that time more organizations for the Episcopacy in region.and more African (diocesan) priests werebeing ordained and some were being trainedoverseas. African Bishops were alreadyemerging namely Bishop Joseph Kiwanuka(Uganda), Bishop Maurice Otunga, latera Cardinal (Kenya), BishopCornelius Chitsulo (Nyasaland) and BishopLaurian Rugambwa, later the first AfricanCardinal (Tanganyika). The Church wasalready undergoing a transition from amissionary to a local church.The questions that bothered Bishops in the Archbishop Guido del Mestriregion, most of whom were missionaries, Apostolic Delegateincluded:• How can the Church prepare herself for In the year 1960 the Bishops of Tanganyika 1

met with the Apostolic delegate, His Grace Blomjous of Mwanza, Tanzania whileArchbishop Guido del Mestri (in a plenary having representatives from five countriessession) who was by then serving countries and the Apostolic delegate. The meetingnamely Kenya, Nyasaland (today’s Malawi),Uganda, Sudan, Tanganyika and Northern Bishop Joseph BlomjousRhodesia (today’s Zambia). In the meeting Bishop of Mwanza Diocese, Tanzaniathe Apostolic delegate proposed theestablishment of some organization of planned for the first assembly of the fiveEnglish speaking Bishops of Eastern and Episcopal Conferences which was set to beCentral Africa that would bring about many in July 1961.good results. He envisaged that not onlyideas and information would be exchanged 1.2 Interterritorial Episcopal Boardamong the five hierarchies but also that real of Eastern Africa -ITEBEAcooperation would develop and commonground for the establishment of common A total of 47 Bishops from Kenya,policies on many important questions in the Tanganyika, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasalandregion. and Uganda and 1 from Sudan with the observer status gathered for their firstTanganyika Bishops expressed their Plenary meeting which took place inwillingness to explore the possibilities. Dar-es-Salaam from 17th - 26th July 1961.They proposed that the Secretaries Generalof the Catholic Secretariats in the five The theme of the plenary was: “The Futurecountries should meet and prepare the of the Church in Africa”. Interestingly theway forward. Meanwhile, the Apostolic agenda items for this first Plenary included:Delegate, due to his office promised tomake the necessary contacts with other • The Church and Media: Regional TV, Episcopal Conferences in the region. Radio Station and Printing Press. • Spiritual Formation for the Diocesan In February 1961 del Mestri called a Priests.formal meeting of the Secretaries General • A Need for a Centre for Pastoralfrom the Episcopal Conferences of these five Renewal and Ongoing Formation.countries. • A Possibility of a Regional UniversityThe representatives suggested a studysession of Local Ordinaries to exchangeviews in an attempt to find uniform policiesand actions. The proposed theme was “TheFuture of the Church in Africa.” Formal plansfor the meeting were left for the steeringcommittee which was held in Nairobi underthe chairmanship of Bishop Joseph 2

or at least a University College. Reverend Adam Kozlowiecki, the• A Comprehensive Self - reliance Archbishop (Later Cardinal) of Lusaka. Programme.• The Future of Catholic Schools and Initially, ITEBEA was not to be a permanent Catholic Education (need for a structure, but rather a study forum where Christian Religious Education Bishops could meet time and again and Syllabus).• Justice and Peace Issues in the Region.The agenda tell us that although it was aregional gathering, the Bishops’ vision wasPanafrican.The most important decision of the Fr Killian Flynnbusiness session of the meeting was to The First Secretary General of AMECEAcontinue with this type of regionalcooperation. It was therefore decided to set together reflect on pastoral issues ofup the Inter-Regional Episcopal Board of common interest within the region. This wasEastern Africa (ITEBEA) which had Laurian why they elected a part-time Secretary, FatherCardinal Rugambwa, by then the only Killian Flynn, OFM Cap from Zambia whoCardinal in the region as its honorary by that time was the Secretary General for themember and other Bishop Representatives Bishops’ Conference of Northern Rhodesia.from the five founding conferences who The transformation of ITEBEA was needed and in August 1964 the decision was passed to establish a permanent office in Nairobi, Kenya. Fr Killian Flynn was officially declared to be the full-time Secretary General of ITEBEA. Bishop Joseph Kiwanuka In a nutshell the beginnings of ITEBEA were Uganda characterized by the presence of prophetic and foresighted church leaders. The originalwould meet once a year. The meeting elected intention of ITEBEA was to be a regionalas ITEBEA’s first Chairman the Most forum for collaborative study and reflection on pastoral issues of common regional interest. 3

1.3 The Beginning of AMECEA The AMECEA Secretariat used other non-departmental specialists to run someThe Second Vatican Council provided the of its programs even in internationalopportunity for members of ITEBEA to have representation. For example, Dr Schroeder,their meeting. This time the meeting was held the Medical Secretary of the Tanzaniain Rome at St Anselmo College in November Episcopal Conference (TEC) represented1964. Its main agenda was to review a draft AMECEA in the medical field.constitution for their organization whichthey approved. It was also at this meeting In the course of time the need for fullthat the name of the organization was time departmental specialists came to thechanged from ITEBEA to the Association fore- front at different times for variousof Member Episcopal Conferences in fields. Thus, AMECEA resolved to put inEastern Africa (AMECEA). Bishop place some departments to work with theVincent McCauley became the first Secretary General and Chairman to meet thechairman, a post he held until the year 1973. needs of the Church in the region. The first department was Social CommunicationsSlowly AMECEA began to assert itsinfluence and fulfill its objectives throughvarious projects with only one person(Secretary General) in the office. Bishop Vincent McCauley Rev Fr Joseph Healey,The First Chairman under AMECEA The First Social Communication Secretary of AMECEA which was established after the decision of the Bishops during the plenary session of the year 1967. Fr Joseph Healey, M.M was appointed as the first director of Social Communications department. Fr Joseph Healey coordinated Social Communications activities between the member nations in areas of training, research, production and collaboration with similar organizations in 4

AMECEA Secretariat offices at Gitanga Road 49, in Nairobi, Kenyaelectronic and traditional media. and transfer his position to a qualified African. Inability to find the candidate forcedFr Killian Flynn OFM cap who served as Fr Flynn to continue up to 1972 when histhe first Secretary of the association since religious superiors asked him to return toits inception made clear his desire to retire Ireland to take a position assisting in the Apostolic delegate Archbishop Guido del Mestri with the Tanzanian Bishops: FromLeft: Bishop Carol Msakila, Bishop Gervas Nkalanga, Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa, Bishop James Sangu, Archbishop Guido del Mestri and Bishop Renatus Butibubage 5

formation of young friars. The residence was opened in September 1975.circumstances made Fr Joseph Healey to This is the current headquarters of thebe appointed in August 1972 as Acting association – AMECEA. The secretariat wasSecretary General. Fr Flynn died shortly meant to be a home for the Bishops whileafter his return to Ireland in December 3, they are in Nairobi as well as a house for the1972. However, he is remembered as the AMECEA staff.“Father of AMECEA” during its first years. In the year 1973 Bishop James Odongo ofAfter Bishop McCauley’s resignation from Tororo, Uganda was elected as AMECEAthe Diocese of Fort Portal was accepted then chairman during the Plenary Meeting heldhe himself decided temporarily to take the in Nairobi, Kenya and so replaced BishopSecretary General’s position. On January McCauley.15, 1973 the AMECEA Executive Boardconfirmed Bishop McCauley appointment Obviously the Executive Board was lookingas Secretary General of AMECEA. for someone to replace Bishop McCauley once he retires. The work of looking for theBishop McCauley moved to Nairobi serving person started in the 1976 Plenary Meetingsimultaneously as the Secretary General held in Nairobi, Kenya. In February 1977,and Chairman of AMECEA. The first thing Fr Joseph Mukwaya at that time working inin his mind was to plan for new buildings the social communications commission inat Gitanga Road 49 premises. Construction Uganda Episcopal Conference was officiallybegan after the approval of the Executive appointed as an assistant Secretary General.Board. Misereor and Missio were the In September 1978 the Executive Boardprimary funders of the project. The offices appointed Fr Joseph Mukwaya to assumewere opened on July 1, 1975 but the the Secretary General’s position in the place of Bishop McCauley. Fr Joseph Mukwaya was ratified in the plenary which took place in Zomba, Malawi in August 1979. In October 1982 Bishop Mc- Cauley travelled back to his home country USA for treatment. He died in the morning of November 1, 1982 while undergoing surgery.Edgar Maranta Hall -Msimbazi Centre -Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; The Venue of the First Meeting of AMECEA in July 1961 6

Chapter TwoGROWTH AND EXPANSION OF AMECEA2.1 More Countries join AMECEA in Nairobi, Kenya Sudan was granted full membership. At this Plenary, the EpiscopalAs it was noted AMECEA formally ITEBEA, Conference of Ethiopia (which includedwas founded by five countries: Kenya, Eritrea) submitted a request to initiateTanganyika, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, contact with the association. Eventually, inand Uganda; while Sudan had only an the year 1979, Ethiopia was also granted fullobserver status. During the December 1973 membership during the plenary assemblyPlenary meeting held at St Thomas Aquinas held in Zomba, Malawi.Table 1: Population in the First Member Countries of AMECEA by the year 1972 Country Population Catholics % of Catholics1 Kenya 12,091,000 3,397,500 28.1%2 Malawi 4,693,000 1,173,200 25.0%3 Tanzania 14,002,000 4,340,600 31.0%4 Uganda 10,332,000 4,132,800 40.0%5 Zambia 4,584,000 1,375,200 30.0% 45,702,000 14,419,300 31.55% TOTALNB: The rest of the populations are Moslems, Protestant Churches and Traditional Religionbelievers.Table 2: Church Growth in AMECEA Countries 1961 – 2009 1961 1993 2005 2009 81. AMECEA Countries 5 8 8 261,148,996 47,605,3042. Total Population 31,841,000 170,450,000 234,671,000 116 8,6963. Catholics 5,371,073 26,077,000 41,648,000 7,146 20,7734. Dioceses 47 99 1135. Priests 2,871 5,740 7,7676. Brothers 1,053 1,664 6,9777. Sisters 4,416 14,304 18,406 7

2.2 AMECEA Departments apostolate. The department works in collaboration with National Communications Coordinators in the eightAMECEA expanded its operation by countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi,creating departments to work with Secretary Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.General and Chairman to meet the needs ofthe Church in the region. The AMECEA Social Communications Department is always dynamic and alive.i. SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS The changes which occur in the world today DEPARTMENT-1968 call the department to look at the realities, envision it where it want to go be, and moveThe first department to be establishedExecutive Secretaries for Social Communication Department in History:Rev. Fr Joseph Healey, M.M. (USA) (1968-1974)Rev. Fr Joseph Mukwaya (Became a Bishop -Uganda) (1974-1979) Rev. Fr Ladislaus Mosha (Tanzania) (1979-1985)Rev. Fr Fortunatus Lukanima (Became a Bishop- Tanzania) (1985-1986)Rev. Fr Paul Uria (Tanzania) (1987-1990)Rev. Fr Namwera Leonard (Malawi) (1990-1990)Rev. Sr Stella Nduku (Acting - Kenya) (1990-1994)Rev. Sr Florence Anaso (Acting - Uganda) (1994-1995)Rev. Sr Florence Anaso (Uganda) (1996-1999)Rev. Sr Agnes Lucy Lando (Kenya) (1999-2000)Rev. Sr Florence Anaso (Uganda) (2000-2001)Rev. Fr Eugene Ngoma (Acting –Malawi) (2001-2002)Rev. Fr Moses Hamungole (Zambia) (2002-2008)Rev. Fr Chrisantus Ndaga (Tanzania) (2008-to date)at the AMECEA secretariat was Social strategically towards its mission. In orderCommunications in 1968. Fr Joseph Healey, to get this done Social CommunicationsMM was the first director of the department. department has to clarify and plan carefullyIn the year 1970 the department began by knowing the aims, objectives, theto make a significant contribution by audience, the proper media to reachoffering Social Communications workshops to and sometimes the obstacles of thein broadcasting and journalism. communication process. There are strategic issues which must be addressed.AMECEA Social Communications The main objectives of establishing theDepartment is an organ of liaison, department in the AMECEA region were:-coordination and animation among • To promote evangelization through theAMECEA countries in the communication 8

use of Media in the AMECEA Region. and marginalization of people andThis entails revitalizing and continued persons affected and infected with HIV/emphasis on the role of theSmall Christian Communities in AIDS. In addition, fight against injusticesEvangelization. and promote reconciliation as a better option for obtaining peace in the region.• To promote effective communication • To provide guidance and a common within the AMECEA Region and beyond foundation for all people involved in (IMBISA, SECAM, etc.) Church communication, in particular, media practitioners and new entrants.• To promote networking and sharing of human and material resources and • To emphasize the importance of Social Communication and foster the training professional training within the region. and on-going professional formation for• To enhance internal communication all those involved in the Communication Apostolate. The priority is to empower among members of the local Church the Church leaders, Religious men and through better diffusion of information. women and the Laity, to play their active• To set up effective systems that will role in the Church and society. guide the dissemination of information to the public. ii. AMECEA DOCUMENTATION• To ensure that Social Communication SERVICE (ADS) -1973 within the Catholic Church in the A common concern was that older Churches AMECEA region is effectively well knew very little about the younger coordinated and responsive to the developing Churches. In an effort to solve growing social, this problem AMECEA bishops in 1973 political and cultural challenges. approved the initiation of a documentation service which had the following objectives: • To serve the Church in the five AMECEA countries by sharing pastoral experiences of the Church in one place with all the other jurisdictions of Eastern Africa. Rev. Fr Chrisantus Ndaga • To offer the universal Church a share in Secretary for Social Communications the on-going picture of the developing Preferential option for sustainable local Church in Eastern Africa with its development against poverty, oppression initiatives, successes and problems. Rev Fr Joseph Kelly, CSSp was appointed as the Director of ADS and in June 1973 he 9

started the office. AMECEA Documenta- • To facilitate the exchange of ideas,tion Service (ADS) was launched in order to research, efforts, pastoral experiencesfacilitate the dissemination of pastoralinformation and to provoke pastoral and initiatives with sister churches.reflection and exchange of pastoral views in • To identify pastoral problems andthe region and beyond. propose relevant pastoral strategies andIn 2002 AMECEA DocumentationDepartment merged and was fully policies. This is achieved through visits,incorporated into the AMECEA Social meetings, seminars and publications.Communications Department. v. COUNCIL OF THE LAITY FOR EASTERN AFRICA (COLEA) -1997iii. APOSTOLATE TO THE NOMADS OF AMECEA (ANA) 1976The Bishops agreed in the Plenary Assemblyof 1976 to form an apostolate to the nomadsto evangelize the pastoralist people of bothnomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyles.This is a particularly demanding task Rev. Prof. Joseph Katobecause of their unique way of life, socio- Secretary for Pastoral Departmentcultural organization and their traditional This is a desk under the Pastoralreligion in particular. Thus, it deserves a department of AMECEA. It is known asparticular attention from the local Churches. COLEA (Council of the Laity for EasternThe ANA’s office at AMECEA has been an Africa). It was re-established in 1997. Theexpression of this attention to the church in objectives of COLEA are:Eastern Africa. This department is currently • To assist and encourage the laity tounder the direction of the AMECEA Pastoral understand and fulfill their evangelizingCoordinator. The department was headed mission.by Dr Hans Stoks until 2006. • To promote dialogue between the laityiv. PASTORAL DEPARTMENT 1994 and Bishops, priests and religious inThis department was established in 1994. order to build up the church as a familyThe first head of Department was Rev Fr of God.Wolfgang Schoenecker who headed the • To foster human and Christian formationdepartment until 2002. The pupose of and technical training of the laity.establishing the department is: • To encourage the exchange of• To offer inspiration and support to information/experiences among the pastoral departments of AMECEA AMECEA laity. churches or dioceses. • The day to day activities are taken on 10

behalf of the Bishop Chairman of the heart of Justice and Peace work. The then Department by the Secretary of the Undersecretary of the Pontifical Commission Department under the direction of the Rev. Roger Heckel, S.J wrote to the Episcopal Secretary General. Conferences asking them to deepen their direct relationship with the office for thevi. AMECEA JUSTICE AND PEACE benefit of local churches. To date, Justice and DESK -2002 Peace Commissions at different levels of the Church work in collaboration with PontificalHistorical background of the desk Commission drawing insights from Gospel message of Jesus Christ and the livedThe Pontifical Commission of Justice and experience of the Church’s teachingPeace was created by Pope Paul VI in 1967 Magisterium, a ‘true expert in humanity.”after Vatican II as a need to promote the Consistent within the above spirit, Africanideals and the values of social justice and Bishops in their message of the 12th SECAMworld peace. The particular work of the Plenary Assembly (October 2000) committedoffice can be divided into two phases. The themselves to work for justice in society andfirst one started with the creation of the in the Church structures. They also madeCommission in 1967 to 1976 when “Motu an appeal to the African and InternationalProprio Justitium et Pacem” was published. communities to commit themselves toThis period was characterized by a strive for Justice and Peace, and to stop thephenomenal growth of national Justice exploitation and domination of the Africanand Peace Commissions especially in Latin people.America, Western Europe, North Amer- Faithful to this call the AMECEA Justiceica, US and Canada; a bit less in Asia and and Peace Desk was formed to make thisAfrica with an exception of South Africa. commitment a reality in society and in theInitially these commissions operated in Church. In February 2002, the AMECEAconsultation with the Pontifical Commission Justice and Peace Desk was established atbut over time, national commissions were the AMECEA Secretariat under the Pastoralresponding to their local social needs. This Department.trend made the commissions to carry out Since its inception, the Desk has had twotheir activities with little if any reference to Coordinators, the first one being Sr. Begonathe Pontifical Commission. Inara of the Missionaries Sisters of our Lady of Africa. She was in charge of theThe second phase was marked by the call Desk from its birth in 2002 to 2005. Atto the local commissions by Pope John Paul the completion of her mandate, she wasII to collaborate more with the Pontifical succeeded by Rev. Fr. Jude Waweru whoCommission in JP activities. In his Apostolic joined AMECEA in July 2004 and workedConstitution of 1988, Pope John Paul II with Sr. Begona for a year before assumingreorganized the Commission by putting it the full responsibility of heading the Desk.under the Roman Curia. Further, it was to Justice and Peace ministry has maderelate to particular Churches through theNational Episcopal Conferences. SocialDoctrine of the Church was placed at the 11

significant achievements in addressing common knowledge on the prevailingissues of integral human development situations in our region and how ourthat geared to promote human dignity. commissions are responding to them. • Capacity building and supporting Justice and Peace Commissions mainly at National level. • Fostering commitment of the Church and Christians to live the preferential option of the poor. • Formation programs on Justice and Peace and Social Teachings of the Church, in order to create awareness on these issues and foster a commitment. Rev. Fr Jude Waweru • Working towards the resolution of Justice and Peace Coordinator conflicts and building a culture of peaceThe major tasks of the Desk include:-• Implementing Justice and Peace in the region. Resolutions emanating from the Plenary • Lobby and advocacy on Socio-Political Assemblies of the Bishops, stipulations of theAMECEA Executive Board and lately and Economic justice within AMECEA. the Synod Propositions pertaining to The challenges that face the Desk are many Justice and Peace. considering the depth of human suffering• Gathering and sharing information within this region that needs redress, but on issues related to Justice and Peace rather than despair, we work with the affecting the region. conviction that it is a greater injustice not• Networking with National Justice and to act. The work of Justice and Peace is one Peace Commissions in order to have a of the core businesses of Christianity and therefore a duty of every Christian. 12

Chapter ThreeAMECEA HIERARCHICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE 3.1 Popes in the History of AMECEAHis Holiness Pope John His Holiness Pope Paul His Holiness Pope John XXIII (1958-1963) VI (1963-1978) Paul I (1978)His Holiness Pope John His Holiness Pope Bene- Paul II (1978-2005) dict XVI ( 2005- To Date) 13

3.2 AMECEA Patrons in HistoryThe Cardinals in the region are considered by their virtue of the office as Honorary Patrons. In thehistory of AMECEA these are:Laurian Cardinal Maurice Cardinal Emmanuel Cardinal Paulos CardinalRugambwa. Otunga. Nsubuga. Tzadua.Appointed by Pope John Appointed by Pope Paul Appointed by Pope PaulXXIII on 28 March 1960 VI on 5 March 1973 VI on 24 May 1976 Appointed by Pope John Paul II on 25 May 1985 Emmanuel Cardinal Adam Cardinal Polycarp Cardinal Gabriel Cardinal Zubeir Wamala. Kozlowiecki. Pengo. Wako.Appointed by Pope John Appointed by Pope John Appointed by Pope John Appointed by Pope JohnPaul II on 26 Nov. 1994 Paul II on 21 Feb. 1998 Paul II on 21 Feb. 1998 Paul II on 21 Oct. 2003 John Cardinal Njue. MedardoCardinal Appointed by Pope Mazombwe. Benedict XVI on 24 Elected by Pope Benedict Nov. 2007 XVI on 20 Nov. 2010 14

3.3 The AMECEA Plenary Board and their substitutes are elected by Assembly Authority their respective Episcopal Conferences to serve for a three year term, from one ordinary Plenary Assembly to the next.The AMECEA Plenary Assembly meeting At this time when AMECEA is celebratingin business session is the supreme authority 50 years (2011), the Executive Board Memberswithin the Association and all office bearers are:and other bodies of the association are ultimatelyanswerable to this authority.The Plenary Assembly is composed of the Most Rev Archbishop Tarcisio Ziyayefollowing: AMECEA Chairman• All members of the Episcopal Conferences that enjoy full membership.• All members of Associate Episcopal Conferences.• All Diocesan Bishops of Affiliated Dioceses.• All Cardinals in or from jurisdictions in AMECEA countries.• Papal representatives in the countries of the Member Episcopal Conferences as observers.The Plenary Assembly meets in ordinary sessionafter every three years. However, an extraordinarymeeting can be called whenever it is deemed nec-essary by the Executive Board or by a majority ofthe full member Conferences of the Association.3.4 AMECEA Executive BoardThe authority over all AMECEA’s activities rests Rev. Dr Pius Rutechurawith the Plenary Assembly of all the Bishops of AMECEA Secretary Generalthe AMECEA countries. Between the PlenaryAssemblies, the Executive Board takes thenecessary decisions, according to the AMECEApriorities. The Executive Board is composedof the Chairman and the Vice Chairman of theAssociation, one designated representative or hissubstitute from each full and associate MemberEpiscopal Conferences, Cardinals in theAMECEA Region, and the Secretary Generalas secretary. The members of the Executive 15

Rt Rev Phillip Sulumeti Rt Rev Kidane Yebio - Rt Rev Emmanuel Obbo -- (Kenya) -Vice Chairman (Eritrea) - Chairman (Uganda) - Chairman AMECEA. Pastoral Dept Social Communications Rt Rev Paul Duffy - Rt Rev Joseph Zuza - Rt Rev Isaac Amani -(Zambia) - Chairman Justice (Malawi) - Chairman Staffing (Tanzania) - Vice-Chairman and Peace Committee Staffing Commitee AMECEA Executive Board Members 2008 - 2011Abune Tesfaselassie Medhin Rt Rev Daniel Adwok - (Ethiopia) - (Sudan) 16

AMECEA Executive Board 1967-1970. From left: Bishop Nicholas Agnozzi (Zambia); Archbishop Maurice Otunga (Kenya); Rev Killian Flynn (Secretary General); Bishop Vincent McCauley (Uganda); Bishop Jean-Louis Jobidon (Malawi); Bishop James Sangu (Tanzania)AMECEA Executive Board 1970-1973: From Left Bishop James Sangu (Tanzania); ArchbishopMaurice Otunga (Kenya); Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa (Patron); Bishop Vincent McCauley (Chairman); Archbishop Emmanuel Nsubuga (Uganda); Bishop James Corboy (Zambia); Bishop Jean-Louis Jobidon (Malawi -Not present in the picture) 17

18 A group photo of AMECEA Executive Board members 1973-1979. From left: Bishop Medardo Mazombwe, (Zambia); Bishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana ‘a Nzeki (Kenya); Bishop James Odongo -CHAIRMAN (Uganda); Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa -Patron (Tanzania); Maurice Cardinal Otunga -Patron (Kenya); Archbishop Emmanuel Nsubuga (Uganda); Bishop James Sangu (Tanzania); Bishop Patrick Kalilombe - VICE CHAIRMAN (Malawi) and Bishop Vincent McCauley -Secretary General AMECEA

19A group photo of AMECEA Executive Board members in 1982: From Left Rt Rev Mathias Chimole (Malawi);Rev Phillip Sulumeti (Kenya); H.E. Maurice Cardinal Otunga (Patron); Rt Rev Castor Sekwa (Tanzania); RtRev Medardo Mazombwe (Chairman); Rt Rev Joseph Willigers (Uganda); H.E.Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga (Patron); Rt Rev Gabriel Zubeir Wako (Sudan); Rt Rev James Spaita (Zambia); Rev Fr Joseph Mukwaya (Secretary General)

3.5 AMECEA Chairmen in HistoryThe Chairman of AMECEA is elected by the Plenary Assembly and remains in office untilthe next ordinary Plenary Assembly. In the history of AMECEA these are: Most Rev Adam Rt Rev Vincent McCauley Rt Rev James OdongoKozlowiecki (Zambia) (Uganda) (Uganda) (1964-1973) (1973-1979) (1961-1964) Rt Rev Medardo Rt Rev Dennis de Jong Most Rev NicodemusMazombwe (Zambia) (Zambia) Kirima (Kenya) (1986-1989) (1989-1995) (1979-1985)Most Rev Josephat Lebulu Most Rev Paul Bakyenga Most Rev Tarcisio Ziyaye (Tanzania) (Uganda) (Malawi) (1995-2002) (2002-2008) (2008-to date) 20

3.6 AMECEA Secretaries General in HistoryThe Secretary General is appointed by the Plenary Assembly. He works in close collaborationwith the Chairman, implementing the mandates of the Plenary Assemblies and the AMECEABoard. He maintains contact with all involved in the work of AMECEA Departments andInstitutions which have been established to meet the requirements mandated by the Bishops.The following are the AMECEA Secretaries General in History:Rev. Fr Killian Flynn OFM Rt Rev Vincent McCauley Rev Fr Joseph Mukwaya (Zambia)-1961-1972 (Uganda) -1973-1979 (later Bishop -Uganda) 1979-1982Rev. Fr John Mbinda Rev. Fr Fortunatus Lukanima Rev. Fr Peter Lwaminda (Kenya)-1982-1986 (Later Bishop Tanzania) (Zambia)-1989-1999 - 1986-1989Rev. Fr Peter Mulomole Msgr Michael Ruwa Rev. Fr Pius Rutechura (Malawi)-1999-2002 (Kenya)-2002-2005 (Tanzania)-2005-to date 21

Chapter FourAMECEA VISION, MISSION, OBJECTIVES AND MANDATEThe original vision and the core values at sis on the role of the Small Christianthe founding of AMECEA were to have a Communities in evangelization;common pastoral approach to issues of 4. Preferential option for the poor, oppressedcommon regional interests. The mission and marginalized, particularly refugees,was to foster collaboration and solidarity persons affected and infected with HIV/among Bishops for advancement of the AIDS, and internally displaced people;common good within the region. AMECEA 5. Empowering the Laity and the Religioushas been adjusting to the vision and mission men and women to play their active rolewithout losing the sight of the founders. in the Church and society;The current vision, mission and mandate of 6. Self-reliance in personnel and finances atAMECEA which were refocused during the all levels;14th Plenary Assembly in 2002 are:- 7. Networking, effective communication, and advocacy;4.1 Vision 8. Poverty eradication, sustainable development and relevant response to allAMECEA: A Holy Spirit filled Family of issues affecting God’s family.God, Committed to Holistic Evangelizationand Integral Development. 4.3 Objectives4.2 Mission The principal objectives of the Association are:To Inspire and empower God’s family • Practice the spirit of collaboration andin AMECEA to a credible and propheticwitness to Christ, by promoting unity, sharing among its members.justice, peace, and solidarity through: • Maintain a spirit of liaison and promote1. Deeper evangelization, constant mutual relations among its members. conversion and prayer, inculturation, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue;2. Relevant formation of all agents of evan- • Promote inter-communication and gelization; co-operation among local churches primarily in the countries of Eastern3. Revitalizing and continued empha- Africa: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. 22

• Study ways and means of promoting Secretary General (AMECEA Secretariat) the apostolate in the light of official and National Episcopal Conferences, in documents and according to the needs accordance with the AMECEA Statutes; of the Catholic Church in Eastern Africa. 2. To inspire and facilitate a common• Help study problems of common interest vision; to the Catholic Church in Eastern Africa and to suggest possible solutions and 3. To identify priority challenges in Church co-coordinated actions. and society and finding common strategies and to respond to them at all• Further the dynamic presence of the levels, e.g. HIV/AIDS and poverty; Catholic Church in the integral development of the people of God in 4. To facilitate exchange of pastoral Eastern Africa. programs through the AMECEA plenaries, publications, information, and• Mandate and set terms of reference for pastoral visits; projects and institutions agreed upon by the members. 5. To undertake research into areas of com- mon interest and analysis of important4.4 Mandate data for the region;The Mandate of AMECEA is of a pastoral 6. To promote human rights, justice andnature and includes the following: peace, freedom of religion, advocacy for the oppressed, and good governance;1. To make policies through the Plenary 7. To coordinate and make regularAssembly and entrust the execution of evaluation of its programs, institutions,its resolutions to the Executive Board, andactivities, and take appropriate action. 23

4.5 Chairmen of the Conferences in the AMECEA Countries in 2011H.E.Gabriel Cardinal H.E. John Cardinal Njue Most Rev Tarcisio Ziyaye Zubeir Wako (Kenya) (Malawi) (Sudan)Most Rev BerhaneYesus Most Rev John Baptist Most Rev Thaddeus Souraphiel Odama Ruwa’ichi (Ethiopia) (Uganda) (Tanzania)Rt Rev George Lungu Rt Rev Menghesteab (Zambia) Tesfamariam (Eritrea) 24

Chapter FiveDEVELOPMENTS OF AMECEA INSTITUTIONS5.1 AMECEA Accountancy Course at NSTIDuring the 1973 Plenary Assembly theBishops discussed about the need for atraining program for Church personnel inaccounting.The current situation necessitated greater NSTI (Later SAUT) -Mwanza, Tanzania.accountability for funds and theirdisbursement. Thus, in January 1975, a one pastoral agents in AMECEA to renewyear certificate program in accounting was themselves for the Church of tomorrow.initiated by AMECEA at the Nyegezi Social API is the only Institute of its kind in theTraining Institute, (NSTI) currently the AMECEA region, which provides ongoingSt Augustine University of Tanzania, formation and renewal in a supportive(SAUT) located in Mwanza, Tanzania. setting enriched by dialogue among layThe Episcopal Conference of Tanzania persons, religious men and women andadministered the program and 17 students clergy. This reflects the Church as the Familyjoined that course in that year. of God as described by the First African Synod. API is committed to training creative, 5.2 Ggaba Pastoral Institute effective, prophetic and open-minded pastoral leaders and agents of evangelization.The AMECEA Pastoral Institute (API) is The genesis of this institute (API) dates backa Catholic Pastoral Institute of AMECEA, in 1967 when the AMECEA Executive Boardwhich offers a unique opportunity for discussed how the association couldGaba Pastoral Institute which is now a Campus of CUEA in Eldoret, Kenya. 25

respond to the new catechetical challenges. Rt Rev James Odongo welcomed fifty twoThe Board realized that schools were participants for the pastoral program atavailable for such training in Europe and API. The opening Mass for the institute wasthe USA, but funding in such locales was celebrated by H.E Maurice Cardinal Otunganot an easy thing. There was a need of on 24 February 1977.establishing a catechetical institute which The 16th AMECEA Plenary Assembly heldwould be a training ground for Priests, in Lusaka, Zambia decided that API beReligious and Laity in matters of Catechesis, incorporated into CUEA. Thus, it becamePastoral, Liturgy and Applied Theology. CUEA Ggaba Campus. The campus openedArchbishop Emmanuel Nsubuga (Later its doors to the first group of seven studentsCardinal) by then Ordinary of Kampala, pursuing the Pre-university programme inUganda gave the permission to use Ggaba September 2008. The population has sinceSeminary building for the proposed grown to 656 students by the 2009/2010institute. The AMECEA Plenary Assembly academic year.of 1967 gave the official approval of theproject and Fr Ton Simons, WF was 5.3 Ggaba Publicationsappointed as director of the GgabaPastoral institute. The AMECEA Ggaba AMECEA Ggaba Publications is aPastoral Institute was officially opened on department of AMECEA Pastoral Institute1 February 1968. AMECEA Pastoral Institute/GABADirectors in HistoryWhen it was in UGANDARev Fr Tons Simons W.F (Netherlands) (1968-1971)Rev. Fr John C. Lamey W.F (Canada) (1971-1974) (1975-1986)Since it was shifted to Eldoret -KENYA (1986-1993)Rev. Fr John C. Lamey W.F (Canada) (1993-1996)Rev Fr Alphonse Ndekimo (Tanzania) (1996-1997)Rev Fr Joseph Gatamu (Kenya) (1998-2002)Rev Dr Herman Kituuma (Uganda) (2002-2008)Rev Prof. Joseph B. Kato (Uganda) (2002-to date)Rev Fr Benjamin Kiriswa (Kenya) Rev. Dr Pius Sentumbwe (Uganda) The AMECEA Pastoral Institute (API/Gaba) (API/Ggaba) in Eldoret, Kenya. It waswas forced to move to Eldoret (Kenya) founded in December, 1967, at Ggaba -in 1976 due to political insecurity in Uganda Kampala (Uganda) from where it wasduring the reign of Idi Amini while forced to move to Eldoret (Kenya) in 1976retaining the original name “Ggaba”. On due to unfavorable political climate under23 January 1977 the Chairman of AMECEA President Idi Amin. 26

AMECEA Ggaba Publications Directors in HistoryNdugu Nsolo Mijere (Zambia) (1975-1979)Rev. Fr. Roger Tessier W.F (Canada) (1979-1984)Rev. Fr. Felician N. Rwehikiza (Tanzania) (1984-1988)Rev. Fr. Boniface K. Zabajungu (Uganda) (1988-1990)Rev. Sr. Agatha Radoli (Kenya) (1990-2001)Rev. Fr. Eugene Ngoma Mutinganyanda (Malawi) (2001-2003)Rev. Sr. Justin C. Nabushawo (Uganda) (2004-2009)Rev. Prof. Constance Bansikiza (CUEA Press) (Uganda) (2009-to date)The publications provide material for Churchrenewal and help reflect and implementpastoral policies and priorities of AMECEA.Among these priorities, is the developmentof Small Christian Communities, the need toinculturate Christianity in Africa, the searchfor Christian unity and dialogue with Islamand with African traditional religions, moremeaningful forms of religious education,development, liberation, social justice andmodern means of communicating the Wordof God.After the transition from API to becomingCUEA Gaba Campus took place, GgabaPublications became a wing of CUEA Presswhile maintaining the original role andmission. 5.4 Blessed Bakanja AMECEA Blessed Bakanja Buildings College (BBAC) (CUEA) with the intention of becoming Diocesan Priests. The major objective is toBlessed Bakanja AMECEA College was form true African and Catholic priests afterestablished in August 1998. It is a the model of our Lord Jesus Christ, who isRegional theology Seminary cum house of Teacher, Priest and Shepherd. This Collegeformation for seminarians drawn from the was canonicallyerected as the major Inter-eight AMECEA Countries. Regional Theological Seminary.All the seminarians study Theology atthe Catholic University of Eastern Africa 27

5.5 CHIEA to CUEA were made so that as soon as the construction was finished CHIEA could immediatelyIn November 1973 Cardinal Angelo Rossi, admit students. Thus in August 1979 RevPrefect of the Sacred Congregation for Dr Paul Kalanda of Uganda was appointedEvangelization of Peoples requested the as Acting Rector of CHIEA. Rev Dr PaulApostolic Nuncio in Uganda, Archbishop Kalanda did not remain long since he wasLuigi Belloti, to consult all African Episcopal appointed Bishop of Moroto Diocese,Conferences about the possibility of a center Uganda, thus the CHIEA Executiveof High Theological studies for the local Committee met in Nairobi in February 1981clergy of the English speaking countries and appointed Rev Dr Augustine Ndeukoyaof this continent. AMECEA worked with from Tanzania as the new acting RectorSECAM on the idea and so formed the of the institute.committee comprising representatives On September 3, 1984 an inaugural Massfrom each of the SECAM regions. of thanksgiving was celebrated inside theThe committee had the following members: new chapel of the Institute. The ChairmanMost Rev Archbishop Francis Arinze of AMECEA, by then Archbishop Medardo(Nigeria) representing English speaking Mazombwe declared the Catholic HigherAfrica; Most Rev George Daniel (South Institute of Eastern Africa (CHIEA) official-Africa) representing Southern African ly open. A year later, that is August 18, 1985countries; Rt Rev Joseph Gasi (Sudan) CHIEA was formally opened by his Holinessrepresenting Sudan and Ethiopia and Rt Rev Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the 43rdPatrick Kalilombwe representing AMECEA International Eucharistic Congress held inwho was also the chairman of the Nairobi, Kenya.Committee. The meeting of this committee The AMECEA plenary meeting whichtook place in Nairobi, Kenya at St Thomas was held in Moshi, Tanzania in April 1986Aquinas on July 10, 1976. After a thorough endorsed the proposal to make the feasibilityresearch of the possibility of having a Higher study for the establishment of The CatholicInstitute in Africa the report proposed University of Eastern Africa, (CUEA). Thus,having two separate institutes in Afri- negotiations with the Commission for Higherca: one in West Africa and another in East Education in Kenya towards theAfrica for the English speaking. However the establishment of the Catholic University ofSacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Eastern Africa (CUEA) started. In 1989 thePeoples was in favor of only one Institute as the institute received from the government afirst step towards establishing the two institutes. “Letter of Interim Authority” as positive stepEventually, AMECEA assumed the towards achieving a Charted Privateresponsibility and put some plans of University Status. On November 3, 1992establishing the Catholic Higher Institute the then President of the Republic ofof Eastern Africa (CHIEA). The Kenya Kenya His Excellency Daniel Arap MoiEpiscopal Conference had earmarked and presented a civil Charter to CHIEAdonated 15 acres of land to AMECEA for thus establishing it to be the Catholicthe institute. A building committee was University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). H.Eset up and which was estimated that the Maurice Cardinal Otunga became the firstinitial construction will cost USD 2 Chancellor of the university and Msgr DrMillion. The construction of the institute was Deogratias Mbiku from Tanzania whocompleted in early 1984. However, before replaced Msgr Dr Augustine Ndeukoyathe construction the academic preparations became the first Vice Chancellor of the University.28

Visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to CHIEA on August 18, 1985, on the occasion of the 43rd International Eucharist Congress in Nairobi, KenyaFormal opening of CHIEA by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on August 18, 1985, on the occasion of the 43rd International Eucharist Congress in Nairobi, Kenya 29

Chapter SixAMECEA MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS6.1 Catholic University of Eastern its establishment as a private university. The Africa - CUEA climax of the negotiations was the granting of the Civil Charter to CHIEA on 3 NovemberThe Catholic University of Eastern Africa 1992. This marked the birth of the university(CUEA) is the regional university owned as a private institution.by the Association of Member EpiscopalConferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA).CUEA Administration BlockIt commenced as a graduate school of i. Mission Statementtheology known as the Catholic HigherInstitute of Eastern Africa (CHIEA) in 1984. The Catholic University of Eastern AfricaIn 1986, the Graduate School of Theology (CUEA) is a Catholic Institution of Higherstarted negotiations with the Commission Learning, founded by and administeredfor Higher Education in Kenya towards the under the auspices of the Association ofestablishment of the Catholic University of Member Episcopal Conferences in EasternEastern Africa (CUEA). Africa (AMECEA). Inspired by the words ofIn 1989, the Institute obtained the “Letter of Jesus Christ, “Consecrate them in the Truth,”Interim Authority” as the first step towards (Jn 17:17) CUEA seeks to promote excellence in scientific research, quality teaching and 30

community service for the purpose of transformation of peoples in their social,enhancing human dignity and Christian cultural, political, economic and religiouswitness. dimensions. The University is an academicBased on the Word of God, the living tradition and formative agent for creating andand teaching of the Church, both universal acquiring knowledge and producingand local, CUEA provides programmes that graduates who are competent leaders for theprepare qualified personnel for the Church Church and Society.and Society. It also seeks to promote contact Chancellors of CUEA in HistoryMost Rev Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima (1984-1989)H.E Maurice Cardinal Otunga (1989-1995)Most Rev Archbishop Josephat Lebulu (1995-2002)Most Rev Archbishop Paul Bakyenga (2002-2008)Most Rev Archbishop Tarcisio Ziyaye (2008-to date) Pro-Chancellors of CUEA in HistoryThe Archbishop of Nairobi, Kenya under whose jurisdiction CUEA falls is the Pro- Chancellor of the University.H.E. Maurice Cardinal Most Rev Raphael Ndingi H.E. John Cardinal Njue Otunga (1995-1997) (1997-2008) (2008-to date)and cooperation with other universities and iii. Governance of CUEAinstitutions of higher learning so as to bringabout a nobler human society. CUEA is under the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Roman Pontiff, and by extension,ii. Vision is also under the Sacred Congregation for the Catholic Education in Rome.CUEA is an instrument of liberation and However, CUEA has its founding body, The 31

CUEA Council Conference Representatives (2008-2011)Rt Rev Alick Banda Rt Rev Emmanuel Kanyama Rt Rev Abraham Desta (Zambia) (Malawi) (Ethiopia)Rt Rev Phillip Anyolo Rt Rev Severine Niwemugizi Rt Rev Menghesteab (Kenya) (Tanzania) Tesfamariam (Eritrea)Rt Rev Sabino Odoki Rt Rev Macram Max Gassis (Uganda) (Sudan) 32

CUEA Vice Chancellors/Rectors in HistoryRev. Fr Paul Kalanda Msgr Augustine Ndeukoya Msgr Deogratias Mbiku(Uganda-later Bishop) (Tanzania) (Tanzania) 1982-1992 1992-1996 1981-1982Rev. Prof Caesar Lukudu CUEA Logo Rev. Prof John Maviiri (Sudan) (Uganda) 1996-2002 2002-to dateAssociation of Member Episcopal vi. The ChancellorConferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA),which through the Executive Board and the The Chancellor of CUEA is designated by theUniversity Council is fully responsible for its AMECEAbody and represents the Holy See torunning, expansion and overall development. the University and vice versa. Since 1995, theThe University Council consists of Bishops AMECEA Chairman has traditionally beenrepresentatives of all the AMECEA member the Chancellor of CUEA. However duringcountries, The Rectors/Vice Chancellor, CUEA’S formative years, two KenyanAMECEA Secretary General as well as Prelates were Chancellors of CUEA.Senate representatives and the Dean ofTheology. v. Development of CUEA The Faculty of Theology hosted three visiting 33

Cardinals between 2005 and 2008. His AMECEA Bishops in charge of SeminaryEminence Walter Cardinal Kasper, President of Commissions on Theological Formation heldthe Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian two successive meetings at CUEA on May 24,Unity, gave a keynote address on the theme 2006 and May 23, 2007, during which they“Promoting Christian Unity in Africa”, discussed the following issues:during an International Symposium on • The need to integrate inculturation in theChristian Unity held at CUEA on July 6-9,2005. theological curriculum of major seminariesThe Archbishop of Khartoum, Sudan, His and theological institutions in AMECEAEminence Gabriel Cardinal Zubeir Wako, region.gave another address at the Faculty of • The advantages of Major Seminaries andTheology’s 10th Interdisciplinary session Theological Institutes affiliating to CUEA.held at CUEA on March 5-7, 2008. • Barriers to affiliation of Major SeminariesHis Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, and Theological Institutions to CUEA.Prefect of the Congregation for Divine • Ways to overcome the barriers andWorship and Discipline of the Sacraments facilitate collaboration with CUEA.at the Holy See, addressed the Faculty of • Areas of collaboration and the wayTheology and the neighboring Church forward for CUEA’s Community Serviceinstitutions and Religious Congregations on and Mission of deeper evangelizationthe theme, “Promotion of the Sacred Liturgy with all its demands for inculturation,in a Catholic University,” on March 13, 2008. integral development, promotion of justice and peace, animation ofIn addition, CUEA’s Chancellor, Most Rev. GABA Campus Eldoret, KenyaPaul K. Bakyenga, made a seven-day visit to reconciliation, ecumenism anda number of Pontifical Dicasteries in Rome Inter- faith dialogue in the AMECEAbetween April 9 and 16, 2008. The Chancellor region, Africa and beyond.was accompanied by CUEA’s Vice ChancellorRev. Prof. John C. Maviiri, the AMECEA vi. CUEA’s New CampusesSecretary General, Rev. Dr. Pius Rutechura,Dean of Theology Rev. Prof. Clement Majawa i. CUEA GABA Campusand Head of Department of Sacred Liturgy,Rev. Dr. Joseph Ettori. During these visitsthe CUEA delegation met and conferredwith the Prefect of the Congregation for theEvangelization of Peoples, H.E. Ivan CardinalDias, Prefect of the Congregation forCatholic Education, H.E. Zenon CardinalGrocholewski, as well as the Rectors ofPontifical Gregorian University andPontifical Urban University.In a separate but related development, the This was formally called API. After the 34

Group photo of the Honorees together with the AMECEA Bishops after the Award of Honarary Degrees on 11th Febru- ary 2010 at CUEA 35 AMECEA Board Members, CUEACouncil Members and Secretariat Staff together with H.E Zenon Cardinal Grocholewskiduring his visit at the AMECEA Offices in Nairobi, Kenya on 10 February 2010

decision of the 16th AMECEA plenary held 6.2 Small Christian Communitiesin Lusaka, Zambia API became a campus ofCUEA. Apart from theological courses the (Timeline in the history of some selected SCCs developments and activities in the AMECEA countries): CUEA Campus -Kisumu, Kenya 1969 (Tanzania): Seminar Study Year (SSY)Ggaba campus also conducts other academic in Tanzania. During the SSY the concept andprograms. These are Faculties of Commerce praxis of SCCs, then called “local Churchand Education. communities,” were first articulated as aii. CUEA Kisumu Campus priority in both rural and later urbanThe Catholic University has always parishes. See articles in Service published byshown commitment to the promotion of the now called TAPRI (Tanzanian Pastoraleducation in the AMECEA region. This and Research Institute).mission has been carried out since 1984. 1971 (Zambia): Small Christian CommunitiesOne of the objectives of the Strategic were started in St. Charles Lwanga Parish inDevelopment Plan of 2002-2011 is to make Lusaka Archdiocese, Zambia.university education accessible to many 1972 (Malawi): Bishop Patrick Kalilombepeople though establishment of campuses (Malawi) held a Diocesan Synod inoutside Nairobi. Accordingly, the University Lilongwe, Malawi and was the first Bishopcommissioned a study to determine in Eastern Africa to start a diocesan pastoralappropriate locations for satellite campuses in plan of Small Christian Communities on theKenya and regionally. In 2008 the University grassroots level.bought a property in Kisumu city, Kenya 1973 (Nairobi, Kenya): AMECEA Studyand established a campus. Kisumu campus Conference on “Planning for the Churchwas officially opened on 13 August 2009. in Eastern Africa in the 1980” had thisThe following programmes are currently key statement: “We have to insist on(2011) taught there: building church life and work on Basic• Bachelor of Education Christian Communities in both rural and• Bachelor of Commerce urban areas. Church life must be based on• Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences the communities in which everyday life and• Bachelor of Science, Computer science work take place: those basic and manageable• University Access Programs (Pre-Univer- social groups whose members can experience real inter-personal relationships and feel a sity program) sense of communal belonging, both in living and working.” Bishop Patrick Kalilombe (Malawi) said dur- ing this AMECEA Meeting that every Bish- op, Priest, Seminarian, Brother and Sister should participate in a particular SCC – not as a leader but as a regular/ordinary member. This can work easily if the priest, etc. becomes a member of the SCC in his or 36

her specific neighborhood/geographical area 1992 (Lusaka, Zambia): The AMECEA(that is, where he or she is actually living). Plenary Study Conference on1974 (Uganda) Masaka Diocesan Synod “Evangelization with its Central Issues:decided to start Small Christian Communities Inculturation, Small Christian Communitiesall over the diocese. and Priestly, Religious and Christian1974 (Tanzania): Bishop Christopher Formation” reiterated its pastoralMwoleka of Rulenge Diocese (Tanzania) and commitment by stating: “So we repeat thatthe Tanzania National Council of the La- SCCs are not optional in our churches; theyity developed a step-by-step plan for start- are central to the life of faith and the ministrying SCCs throughout Tanzania. Bishop of evangelization.”Mwoleka stated that in his diocese “theentire pastoral work will be carried out by 1994 (Rome): First African Synod in Romemeans of Small Christian Communities.” in April, 1994. Theme: “The Church in Africa1976 (Nairobi, Kenya): AMECEA Study and Her Evangelizing Mission Towards theConference on “Building Small Christian Year 2000 with five main topics:Communities.” Key statement: “Systematicformation of Small Christian Communities “Proclamation of the Good News ofshould be the key pastoral priority in the Salvation”, “Inculturation,” “Dialogue”,years to come in Eastern Africa.” “Justice and Peace” and the “Means of SocialDuring this meeting the word “small” Communications.” Of the 211 interventionswas specifically chosen to avoid certain during the first two weeks of the First Africanundertones of the word “basic.” Bishop Synod, there were 29 interventions on SCCsRaphael Ndingi Mwana’a Nzeki of Nakuru (the fourth highest number after the topics ofDiocese, Kenya stated that to call our justice, inculturation and laity). Ecclesiologygrassroots communities “small” instead of the Church-as-Family. In the Finalof “basic” is another indication that the Message Section 28 on “The Church-as-movement in Africa was growing on its own, Family and Small Christian Communities”quite independent of what was happening states: “The Church, the Family of God,along the same lines in other places such as implies the creation of small communitiesLatin America. See Raphael Ndingi, “Basic at the human level, living or basic ecclesialCommunities: the African Experience” in communities… These individual Churches-A New Missionary Era (Maryknoll: Orbis, as-Families have the task of working to1982), p. 100. transform society.”1979 (Zomba, Malawi): AMECEA StudyConference on “The Implementation of 1995: Publication and promulgation by Johnthe AMECEA Bishops’ Pastoral Priority of Paul II of the Apostolic Exhortation EcclesiaBuilding Small Christian Communities: An in Africa/The Church in Africa. Synod inEvaluation.” One of its pastoral resolutions Yaounde, Cameroon, Johannesburg, Southstated: “SCCs are an effective way of Africa and Nairobi, Kenya between 14 -20developing the mission dimension of September, 1995.the church at the most local level, and ofmaking people feel that they are really Some key sections for Eastern Africa:part of the church’s evangelizing work.” • Number 23 under The Family of God in the Synodal Process: “If this Synod is prepared well, it will be able to involve all levels of the Christian Community: individuals, small communities, parishes, 37

Dioceses, and local, national and Books, 2005 and Nairobi, Kenya: Paulines international bodies.” Publications Africa, 2006.)• Number 89 under Living (or Vital) 2002 (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania): AMECEA Christian Communities : “Right from the Study Conference on “Deeper Evangelization beginning, the Synod Fathers recognized in the Third Millennium.” Section 7 of the that the Church as Family cannot reach Pastoral Resolutions was on “Building the her full potential as Church unless she is Church as a Family of God by Continuing divided into communities small enough to Foster and/or Revitalize the Small to foster close human relationships. The Christian Communities.” No. 43 states: “We Assembly described the characteristics recommend that a program on the theological of such communities as follows: and pastoral value of Small Christian primarily they should be places engaged Communities be included in the normal in evangelizing themselves, so that curriculum of the Major Seminaries and subsequently they can bring the Good houses of formation of both men and women.” News to others; they should moreover 2005: (Mukono, Uganda): AMECEA Study be communities which pray and listen Conference on “Responding to the Challenges to God’s Word, encourage the members of HIV/AIDS within the AMECEA Region” themselves to take on responsibility, learn had one pastoral resolution that emphasised: to live an ecclesial life, and reflect on “Active involvement of SCCs in reaching out different human problems in the to people with HIV/AIDS. SCC members light of the Gospel. Above all, these as caregivers, counselors, etc.” NOTE: SCC communities are to be committed to living members also reach out to refugees, internally Christ’s love for everybody, a love which displaced people (IDPs), people traumatized transcends the limits of natural solidarity by civil war, violence and tribalism/ethnicity, of clans, tribes or other interest groups.” street children, sick people, bereaved people• Also Number 63 under The Church as and other needy people. God’s Family: “It is earnestly to be hoped 2006-2007 (Tanzania): To promote the that theologians in Africa will work out AMECEA Pastoral Priority of SCCs and the theology of the Church as Family with to focus on ongoing Spiritual and Pastoral all the riches contained in this concept, formation a “Year of Small Christian showing its complementarity with other Communities (SCCs)” was celebrated in images of the Church.” Dar es Salaam Archdiocese, (Tanzania).1998 (Key turning point in Tanzania): “The Later this was extended to a “National Yearimplementation of the new Constitution of of Small Christian Communities (SCCs)” forthe National Lay Council in 1998 required the whole of Tanzania.that the election of lay leaders in parishes 2007-2011 (Kenya): Annual campaigns ofthroughout Tanzania start at the level of SCCs the Kenya Episcopal Conference’s Lentenand move upwards. This insured that the Campaign. The “See, Judge and Act” Processparish council leaders would be chosen from draws on the experience of SCCs on justicethose who were already leaders in their SCCs and peace-related themes/issues. Many– thus true representation from below. Such discussion questions relate to SCCs. Thedecisions gave full confidence to the faithful proposed action steps directly involve SCCs.and opened new possibilities for the laity in 2008: (Lusaka, Zambia): AMECEA Studythe local church.” (See Chapter 14 in Small Conferenceon “Reconciliation ThroughChristian Communities Today: Capturingthe New Moment. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis 38

Justice and Peace.” See references to 2009 (Rome): Second African Synod inthe role and mission of Small Christian Rome from 4-25 October, 2009. Theme: “TheCommunities. Action Plan : “Revisiting the Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation,Small Christian Communities Pastoral Option Justice and Peace.” From No 22 of theas a means of responding to the ministry of “Message to the People of God”: “Here wereconciliation through justice and peace. would like to reiterate the recommendationTheology of the Church Family of God must of Ecclesia in Africa about the importance ofbe further explored in view of enhancing Small Christian Communities (cf. EIA, 93).reconciliation and peace building.” Beyond prayer, you must also arm yourself2009 (Rome): Lineamenta (2006) and with sufficient knowledge of the ChristianInstrumentum Laboris (March, 2009). SCCs faith to be able to “give a proof of the hopeare called “living ecclesial communities.” that you bear” (1 Peter 3:15) in the marketThe Church as Family of God Model is a new places of ideas…We strongly recommend theecclesial option that focuses on building basic sources of Catholic faith: the Holy Bible,families and building SCCs that are involved The Catechism of the Catholic Church, andin reconciliation, justice and peace in the most relevant to the theme of the Synod, TheCatholic Church and in the wider society.” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of theTracking the shifts in this specific theme with Church.the additional emphasis on “Reconciliation.” From the “Final List of [57] Propositions”SCCs are mentioned 12 times in the Proposition 35 on “Small ChristianInstrumentum Laboris and twice in the Communities (SCCs)” states:footnotes. This is significantly more than in “The Synod renews its support for thethe Lineamenta in which “living ecclesial promotion of Small Christian Communitiescommunities” are mentioned three times in (SCCs) that firmly build up the Church-Familythe document and twice in the questionnaire. of God in Africa. The SCCs are based onThis increase in the importance given to SCCs Gospel-sharing, where Christians gatheris clearly due to the many responses from the to celebrate the presence of the Lord inEpiscopal Conferences in Africa and to other their lives and in their midst, through theanswers to the 32 questions of the original celebration of the Eucharist, the reading ofquestionnaire. the Word of God and witnessing to their2009 (AMECEA) Statement from AMECEA faith in loving service to each other and theirBishops who are Delegates to the Synod communities. Under the guidance of theirof Bishops’ Second Special Assembly for pastors and catechists, they seek to deepenAfrica in Rome: Our serious Pastoral Concerns their faith and mature in Christian witness, asand Challenges: “Centrality of Small Chris- they live concrete experiences of fatherhood,tian Community (SCC)”: We have experi- motherhood, relationships, open fellowship,enced that a properly trained and led SCC where each takes care of the other. This Familyadds great value to the promotion of recon- of God extends beyond the bonds ofcilition. This is because deeper biblical re- blood, ethnicity, tribe, culture and race.flection and more regular use of the pastoral In this way SCCs open paths tocircle empower our Christians to engage ef- reconciliation with extended families thatfectively in the social life around them. Here have the tendency to impose on Christianformation in Catholic Social Teaching (CST) nuclear families their syncretistic ways andat all levels must be a priority.” customs. 39

Chapter SevenAMECEA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS, REGIONAL BODIES AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSAMECEA since its inception has been in which was held in Nairobi, Kenya (1973) thecollaboration with the Religious Bishops recommended that a meeting forCongregations, Regional bodies and African women religious be held to openinternational Partners in carrying out its dialogue and exchange of experiences. Themission and vision and in realizing many forum was known as “Sisters of the Eastof its projects. Africa Study Conference (SEASC) which later changed to be Association ofThe Fransiscan (OFM Capuchin) Consecrated Women in Eastern and Centralwere ready to offer personnel to the Africa (ACWECA) during their 12th studyAssociation by sending Fr Killian Flynn conference held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2002.as the First Secretary of ITEBEA whichgave birth to AMECEA. Another Society is AMECEA was priviledged to host thethe Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers from first meeting of Symposium of Episcopalwhich Fr Joseph Healey is a member. The Conferences of Africa and MadagascarSociety was ready to give him to work for (SECAM). The meeting was planned toAMECEAas the First social Communications coincide with the Pastoral Visit of Pope PaulCoordinator. VI in Uganda in 1969. The meeting took place at Gaba Pastoral Institute in Kampala,AMECEA is grateful to congregations Uganda. It was during this meeting thewhich were ready to offer members of the Bishops agreed that SECAM should be a acongregation to help and work for permanent body. The last day of the meetingEvangelization in Solidarity. These was also attended by the Holy Father Popeinclude Holy Ghost Fathers, (CSSp), Paul VI.Missionary of Africa (W.F); Missionaries ofMillHill;BrothersofChristianInstruction;and Already in the year 1961 Monsignor WilhelmSociety of Jesus the Sisters of Mary of Dossing from Misereor was invited to speakKakamega, Assumption Sisters of to the ITEBEA Board and explain its missionNairobi,Kenya;AssumptionSistersofEldoret, and possible ways of assistance to EasternKenya; the Sisters of St Joseph, Mombasa, Africa. The Secretary General of MisereorKenya; Little Sisters of St Francis; Theresian wrote to Bishop McCauley: “I may assureSisters from Bukoba Diocese, Tanzania; . you that our society (Misereor) as well as the German Bishops are interested inApart from this AMECEA in its 1973 preserving and advancing the imageExecutive Board meeting took the of the African Church.” At this sameeducation and training of African Sisters as a meeting Benedict Kominiak, OSB waspriority for their apostolates. In the plenary appointed to represent ITEBEA before 40

Group photo of Participants of the joint AMECEA/USCCB workshop on Needs Assessment held in Kampala, Uganda in June 2010 Group photo of AMECEA National Social Communications Coordinators withApostolic Nuncio to Kenya Most Rev Alain Lebeaupin, President of the PontificalCouncil for Social Communications and PCCS staff during their visit to AMECEA Secretariat offices in Nairobi, Kenya in April 2009 41

Misereor. much from the partnership of AMECEA.In the year 1967 Bishop McCauley by This has not only made it possible to havethen Chairman of AMECEA wrote to the the structures but also providing scholarshipChairman of the US Episcopal Commission to needy students. These benefactorson Missions about the possibility of forming include: Missio Aachen of Germany, St Peteran African Bureau with the United States Apostle of the Vatican, Rattansi EducationalConference of Catholic Bishops. The idea Trust Fund of Kenya, USAID/PEPFARwas to increase awareness and information Scholarship (mainly for orphans) Windleand improve the image concerning African Trust (scholarship for refugees), Kenyamissions in the United States and coordinate Government Ministry of Education (HELBmission appeals. loans) and Italian Episcopal ConferenceWhen the AMECEA bishops decided to have who contributed for the Resource Centre,a permanent structure in Nairobi (AMECEA among others.Secretariat) we read that there was an urgentneed of funds to ensure that structures are As AMECEA was expanding a need toput in place. Documents read that Missio contact many more partners was necessary.and Misereor were the primary funders of AMECEA is very grateful in history for thethe project. Some letters written by Bishop help it has received and continue to receiveMcCauley giving thanks to Missio for some from various partners. The followingsignificant grants which were received from partners have been really behind the progressthem to keep the AMECEA going testify to AMECEA has made in these fiftythis long collaboration. years of its existence. These are such asThe starting of the Gaba Pastoral Institute Congregation for the Evangelisation ofwas only made possible through the Peoples (Pro- Afris Fund), Missio Aachendonation of Propaganda Fide which gave and Munchen, Kirche in Not, Misereor,funds for the renovation of the old buildings Missionaries of Africa, AMAthat could make it possible for the opening (Netherland), Stichting Porticus,of the Institute in the year 1968. Catholic Releif Services (CRS), USCCBThe establishment of CHIEA to CUEA was Solidarity Fund for Africa, Swissfacilitated by the donations received from Catholic Lenten Funds, which funded somepartners like Pontifical Missionary Aid PlenaryAssemblies,DioceseofLinz(Austria),Societies of the Vatican; Misereor, Missio Diocese of Koln (Germany), CaritasAachen and Munchen of Germany; Swiss Ambrosiana, DKA (Austria), RaskobCatholic Lenten Fund; Roncalli Foundation Foundationfor Catholic Activities, Germanand several other religious organizations (KAAD), Sisters of St Peter Claver, Poorboth locally and abroad. Indeed with Clares of Cleverland Ohio USA, CaritasAMECEA Bishops contributions the Norway in various project applications.University was in the position of startingand growing. In a particular way the AMECEA SocialCUEA on the other hand has benefitted very Communication Department has been working very closely with Catholic Media Council (CAMECO) in reviewing applications before they are submitted to donor partners, CAMECO has been a key partner in helping the AMECEA Social 42

43Group photo of Participants of the joint AMECA/IMBISA Communication Workshop held in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2006

44 Catholic Radio Practitioners from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in a session during their workshop held in Arusha, Tanzania october 2010. The workshop was funded by Raskob Foundation for Catholic activities

45Group photo of Participants of the joint AMECEA/PCCS Communication Workshop held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in May 2010

Most Rev Claudio Maria Celli President of thePCCS together withhis PCCS Staff: Msgr Paul Tighe and Fr Janvier Yameogo attending the study session during the Youth CommunicationWorkshop organized by AMECEA and PCCS in Nairobi, Kenya in May 2009 Group photo of Participants of the Cross Learning Meeting between AMECA and IMBISA held in Nairobi, Kenya in March 2010 46

Communication Department obtain funds includes the pastoral solidarity fund forfrom donors, particularly MISSIO, Church in the Church in Africa which comes fromNeed and Misereor. Such funds help to run donations from individual Catholics inthe departmental activities during the year. the US to be shared with structures of theFurther development is that in recent years Church in Africa. To date the USCCB hasSocial Communications has been partnering funded several projects of AMECEA andwith Pontifical Council for Social the recent ones are the Good GovernanceCommunications in which they were able workshop which was held in Nairobi, 2010;to conduct workshops for the Youth of Evaluation of AMECEA Pastoral MissionAMECEA countries twice. The first one was of Evangelization in Solidarity; the Needsheld in Nairobi, Kenya in 2009 while the Assessment Workshop which was heldsecond one was held in Dar es Salaam, in Kampala, Uganda in June 2010 and theTanzania in 2010. Indeed the workshops 17th Plenary Assembly of 2011 which alsowere a contribution of AMECEA Social includes the Golden Jubilee celebrations.Communications Office in collaboration with During the past three years Catholic ReliefPontifical Council for Social Communications Service (CRS) have assisted AMECEAin highlighting the existing inequalities Bishop delegates to prepare themselves forby treating others with respect, giving the the Second Synod for Africa in March 2009;unequal chances to speak and to be listened and for making AMECEA delegates able toto. make a solidarity visit to Sudan in NovemberThe department through SIGNIS (World 2010 through financial assistance; StichtingCatholic Association for Communication- a Porticus together with Missio MünchenRoman Catholic lay ecclesial movement for have contributed to the realization ofprofessionals in the communication media, Evaluation of AMECEA Pastoral Missionincluding radio, television, cinema, video, of Evangelization in Solidarity project.media education, Internet and new The AMECEAJustice and Peace Desk has beentechnology) has been able to help the national for the last three years in partnership with Theand diocesan offices of communications Catholic Agency For Overseas Developmentobtain funds for the media (electronic) (CAFOD), a United Kingdom-basedactivities. A number of Catholic Radio Catholic Organization for Action for Betterstations in the region have benefitted from Governance (ABG) program. The programthis collaboration. which is meant for five years has enabledThe US Conference of Catholic Bishops the department to conduct workshops,(USCCB) has continued to work with help election monitoring activities aroundAMECEA mainly on issues related with the AMECEA countries among others.advocacy and Social Justice. The Office of We are grateful to all who supported theNational Collections Staff, the sub- Secretariatandvariousprogramandactivities.committee on the Church in Africa in itscapacity has assisted the Bishops in the USin their relationships building work with theAfrican Church leadership. This initiative 47

Chapter EightAMECEA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SYNOD ASSEMBLIES FOR AFRICA8.1 The First Synod Assembly for 1. Most Rev. Archbishop J. ChionaAfrica, Rome: April 10 –May 8, 1994 2. Rt Rev. Bishop Tarcisio Ziyaye (Now Archbishop) 3. Rt Rev. Bishop Felix MkhoriThe First African Synod in 1994 addressed Sudanmany issues affecting the Church in Africa 1. Most Rev. Archbishop Gabriel Zubeirsuch as: 1) Proclamation, 2) Inculturation, 3)Dialogue, 4) Justice and Peace, and 5) Social Wako (Now Cardinal)Communications. The topics were under 2. Most Rev. Archbishop Paolino Lukuduthe theme: “The Church in Africa and HerEvangelizing Mission Towards the Year Loro2000, ‘You shall be my witnesses (Acts 1:8)’” 3. Rt Rev. Bishop Joseph A. GasiParticipants from AMECEA Region: 4. Rt Rev. Bishop Vincent MojwokEritrea Tanzania1. Bishop Zekarias Yohannes 1. H.E Laurian Cardinal RugambwaEthiopia 2. Most Rev. Archbishop Antony Mayala1. H.E. Paulos Cardinal Tzadua 3. Most Rev. Archbishop Mario Mgulunde2. Rt Rev. Bishop Musie Ghebreghiorghis 4. Most Rev. Archbishop Norbert Mtega3. Rt Rev. Bishop Woldetensae T. 5. Most Rev. Archbishop Polycarp Pengo GhebreghiorghisKenya (Now Cardinal)1. H.E Maurice Cardinal Otunga 6. Rt Rev. Bishop James Sangu2. Most Rev. Archbishop Nicodemus Kiri- 7. Rt Rev. Bishop Paul Ruzoka (Now Archbishop) ma 8. Rt Rev. Bishop Josephat Lebulu (Now3. Most Rev. Archbishop Zaccheus Okoth4. Most Rev. Archbishop John Njenga Archbishop)5. Rt Rev. Bishop John Njue (Now Cardinal) 9. Rt Rev. Bishop Justin Samba6. Rt Rev. Bishop Cornelius Korir 10. Rt Rev. Bishop Amedeus Msarikie7. Rt Rev. Bishop Raphael Ndingi (Now Uganda 1. Most Rev. Archbishop Emmanuel Archbishop Emeritus) Wamala (Now Cardinal)8. Rt Rev. Bishop Colin Davies 2. Rt Rev. Bishop Joseph WilligersMalawi 3. Rt Rev. Bishop Paul Kalanda 4. Rt Rev. Bishop Paul Bakyenga (Now Archbishop) 5. Rt Rev. Bishop Frederick Drandua 6. Rt Rev. Bishop Dennis Kiwanuka 48

A cross section of delegates from AMECEA Countries who attended the First Synod Assembly for Africa in Rome in 1994A cross section of Concelebrants during a closing Eucharist Celebration of the First Synod Assembly for Africa in Rome in 1994 49

A cross section of delegates for the First Synod Assembly for Africa in session in Rome in 19947. Rt Rev. Bishop Deogratias Byabazaire His Holiness Pope John Paul II greeted theZambia people and said: “My present journey1. Rt Rev. Bishop Dennis H. De Jong through Africa is a celebration of the2. Rt Rev. Bishop Medardo Mazombwe Special Session for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. That important meeting (Now Cardinal) re-affirmed the commitment of the Catholic3. Rt Rev. Bishop Telesphor Mpundu Church to her spiritual and humanitarian mission on this continent. As the univer- (Now Archbishop) sal Pastor of the Catholic Church, I wished to come to Africa at this time in order to8.2 Pastoral Visit of Pope John urge my brothers and sisters in the faith toPaul II in Nairobi, Kenya. stand steadfast in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and to assume with unfailing (For the closing of the Special Assembly for generosity the challenge which the SynodAfrica of the Synod of Bishops 14-20 September proposes: a new Evangelization, in a fresh spirit of service to the peoples of this 1995). continent. It is my special joy therefore toAt Jomo Kenyatta International Airport greet Cardinal Otunga and my brotherin Nairobi, Kenya on 18 September 1995 Bishops of Kenya, as well as the 50