50 Years History of AMECEA Booklet

AMECEA Countries celebrating the First African Synod with Pope John Paul II, in Nairobi, Kenya September, 1995Holy Father Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Concelebrants vested in Masai Garments during the Eucharistic Celebrations at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Kenya 19 Sept 1995 The AMECEA Bishops representatives receive The Apostolic Exhortation ‘The Church in Africa” 51

representatives of the Episcopal theme: “The Church in Africa in Service toConferences inEasternAfrica.Iespeciallylook Reconciliation, Justice and Peace”- ‘You areforward to joining the clergy, religious and the Salt of the Earth.… You are the Light oflaity in the most sacred act of our worship, the the World (Matthew 5: 13-14).’celebration of the Holy Eucharist. In preparation for this second Synod forDuring the Holy Mass at Uhuru Park on 19 Africa AMECEA organized a workshopSeptember 1995 His Holiness Pope John Paul which bought together delegates fromsaid “Last year, the Special Session for Africa AMECEA countries in order to shape theof the Synod of Bishops held its working prophetic voice of AMECEA in a plan tosession in Rome, close to the tomb of the address key pastoral issues of commonApostle Peter. Now, a year later, the results interest in the region. The workshopof the Synod have been gathered in the provided a unique chance to examinePost-Synodal Exhortation Ecclesia in Africa, together different responses on the topic ofand the Successor of Peter commends to the working document, (Lineamenta) forthe Church in Africa to encourage everyone the Second Synod for Africa: The Church into heed the Synod’s message and put it into Africa in the Service to Reconciliation,practice. I gladly greet my dear brother, Justice and Peace. Through that workshop,Cardinal Otunga, and the members of the the Bishops appointed a team of advisorsKenya Episcopal Conference, as well as from the region that will accompany themthe Bishops of the Association of Member to the Synod. This team was to work onEpiscopal Conferences in Eastern Africa…” these issues, before, during and after the Synod. These were Rev Dr Pius Rutechura,8.3 The Second Synod Assembly AMECEA Secretary General; Rev Fr Judefor Africa: Rome: 04–27 October Waweru, AMECEA Justice and Peace2009. Coordinator; Rev Fr Joe Komakoma, Secretary General for Zambia EpiscopalPreparations for the AMECEA Synod delegates: Conference and Rev Peter Henriot, the Director of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) in Lusaka, Zambia. The workshop was made possible through the help from Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international relief and development agency of the USCCB that offered a helping hand in making this process possible.Second Synod delegatesof preparation workshopopening ceremony, From left Most Rev TarcisioZiyaye, (Chairman), Most Rev Alain Lebeaupin (Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya; Mr David Orthmoore (CRS Regional Director)The Second Special Assembly for Africa Eritrean Delegates in a group discussion duringof the Synod of Bishops, took place from the preparation workshop for the delegates of the04 to 25 October 2009. More than 200 bish-ops and advisors from all over Africa Second Synod Assembly for Africamet in Rome with a special focus on the 52

53 A cross section of AMECEA 2nd Synod Delegates in group photo during theirpreparation for shaping the prophetic voice of the region held in Nairobi, Kenya, March 2009

54 AMECEA delegates to the Second Synod Assembly for Africa during one of their meetings in Rome on October 2009

Chapter NineEVENTS AND SUMMARY OF MESSAGES THE 1st PLENARY THE 2nd PLENARYASSEMBLY HELD IN DAR ES ASSEMBLY HELD IN ROME SALAAM, TANZANIA IN 1961 IN 1964 On the Theme: The second ITEBEA Plenary meeting took place in Rome in November 1964 during “The Future of the Church in Africa” the Second Vatican Council. In this meeting ITEBEA was transformed into AMECEA;The Plenary was looking towards an The Bishops thought that ITEBEA couldindigenous Church in independent Africa not satisfactorily accomplish the task itStates with a pluralistic society, and was given especially that of sharing ofconsidering fields for cooperation between information and experience; inter-hierarchies, as well as the Church’s special consultation and combined action in greatinterest in Education. spheres. Thus, ITEBEA was transformed into Association of Member EpiscopalFrom the very beginning the ordinaries Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA).wanted to have a study session for an In the plenary meeting its constitution wasexchange of views, in their search for studied and discussed and later on approved.guidelines to help the hierarchies in trying Bishop Vincent McCauley of Fort Portal,to adopt uniform pastoral policies and Uganda was chosen as first Chairmanmethods of action in the region. In its of AMECEA and Fr Flynn was appointedsearch for answers to the problems facing a full time Secretary General.the training; clerical rule of life; finance;liturgy; Church and State; the Church The Plenary also described the Association’sin a pluralistic society and ecumenism. mandate as follows:The assembly also established fields of • To promote intercommunication andcooperation between the hierarchies in cooperation between local (diocesan)the region including the setting up of an Churches in Eastern Africa.Inter-Territorial Episcopal Board to carryout projects of common interests and seek • Seek ways and means to support thesolutions to common problems encountered apostolate in the light of conciliarin the implementation of the agreed projects;such as the founding of an inter-territorial magisterial documents.catechetical institute and the establishment • Study problems of common interest inof a Catholic University. Eastern Africa and find solutions to them. • Render services in a collaborative effort to meet the social, economic, spiritual needs of the people in the region. 55

56 Group photo: The first ITEBEA Meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 1961

Group photo: AMECEA Plenary Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in 1967Pope Paul VI with Presidents from Eastern Africa countries in Kampala during his visit to Uganda in 1969. From Left Presidents: Kenneth Kaunda (Zambia), Julius Nyerere(Tanzania), Pope Paul VI, Milton Obote (Uganda), and Gregoire Kayibanda (Rwanda) 57

THE 3rd PLENARY THE 4th PLENARYASSEMBLY IN NAIROBI, ASSEMBLY IN LUSAKA, KENYA IN 1967 ZAMBIA IN 1970On the Theme: On the Theme: “Pastoral Perspectives in Eastern Africa “The Priest in Africa Today” after Vatican II” The Assembly discussed priestly vocationsIn this plenary there were some and formation as well as priestly rural andobservers from Ghana, Sudan and the urban ministries.Seychelles. The Bishops tried to evaluatethe task of the Church and methods of The Bishops, having discussed the growingEvangelization in the region in order to find crisis of priest shortage in the region, decidedways of cooperation. They also assessed the to educate and encourage their communitiessituation of priestly formation, ecumenism, to minister to themselves as much as theymarriage customs and the relations between can.the local ordinary and religious institutes. The promotion of lay ministries emergedThe Bishops agreed on the inter regional from the Assembly. At the end thecollaboration on Priestly formation and Bishops issuedajointPastoralLetterintendedthe starting of the national ecumenical mainly to exhort and encourage their Priestscommission. The AMECEA major and Seminarians.seminaries were directed to study polygamyissues and begin a process of the integrationof studies always with an African context.A special commission for seminaries to takecare of the study integration was establishedto prepare integration proposals andmake recommendations to the respectiveEpiscopal Conferences.The Pastoral Institute which was due to startin 1968 was assigned the task of preparationand circulation of Catechist-school lessonnotes and the study of customary rites. 58

59A Group photo: AMECEA Plenary meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia in 1970

THE 5th PLENARY whose members can experience real inter-ASSEMBLY IN NAIROBI, personal relationships and feel a sense of communal belonging, both in living and KENYA IN 1973 working. On the Theme: “Planning for the Church in Eastern It was such a conviction that led the Africa in 1980s” Bishops to enter into a deeper study of the Small Christian Communities during the next two Plenaries. The 1973 AssemblyAmong the main trends in contemporary covered a wide range of themes relatedAfrica outlined in the study session were the to the future of the Church in the region.search for identity, relative local autonomy The themes included: personnel planning,and self-reliance (Institutional, economical the Christian family, religious education,and ideological). integral social development and specializedThis led the AMECEA Bishops to apostolates. The conclusions of the 1973commit themselves not only to establish assembly were to serve as the agenda for thea local Church but also to a new way of AMECEA’s work in the 1980s and 1990s. being a Church –A church with a humanface concretized in Small ChristianCommunities. The Bishops were convincedthat in these countries of Eastern Africa it istime for the Church to become really “local”that is self-ministering, self-propagatingand self –supporting. Their planning aimedat building such local communities for thecoming years. They believed that in order toachieve this they had to insist on buildingChurch life and work on Basic ChristianCommunities, in both rural and urban areas.Church’s life must be based on communitiesin which everyday life and work takes place:those basic manageable social groupings 60

61AMECEA Plenary meeting participants in a group photo with Mr Mwai Kibaki (centre front row) during the Plenary meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya 1973

AMECEA Catechetical Congress in Nairobi, Kenya April, 197362A Group photo: AMECEA Congress Delegates held in Nairobi , Kenya April 1973

AMECEA Catechetical Congress in Nairobi, Kenya April, 1973 Group photo: AMECEA Congress Delegates from Tanzania Group photo: AMECEA Congress Delegates from Uganda 63

AMECEA Catechetical Congress in Nairobi, Kenya April, 1973 Group photo: AMECEA Congress Delegates from Zambia Group photo: AMECEA Congress Delegates from Malawi 64

A cross section of Catechetical Congress DelegatesAMECEA Catechetical Congress in Nairobi, Kenya April, 1973 65

AMECEA/ SECAM66Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa delivers opening Presidential speech at the first all Africa-Madagascar (SE- CAM) Bishops’ Symposium at Gaba Pastoral Institute in Kampala, Uganda July 1969.At the high table from left are Archbishop Sergio Pignedoli, Secretary in the Congregation of Propagation of Faith; Hon Mr Sam Odaka (MP) Foreign Minister in Ugandan Governement; H.E.Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa and H.E.P.Cardinal Zoungrana from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

67 A Group Photo of 7 Cardinals from Africa who attended SECAM first meeting at Gagba Kampala, Uganda in 1969. From Left are: H.E. Paul Cardinal Zoungrana (West); H.E. Leon-Etienne Cardinal Duval (North); H.E.Owen Cardinal McGann (South); H.E. Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa (Eastern); H.E. Jerome Cardinal Rakotoma- lala (Madagascar); H.E. Stephanus I Sidarouss (Egypt); H.E. Joseph Albert Malula (Congo)

AMECEA/ SECAM68General Idi Amini Dada, the President of Uganda addresses the participants at the Formal opening of the Third Plenary Assembly of SECAM at Ggaba Pastoral Institute, Kampala, Uganda on August 13, 1973

The Papal Envoy to the opening of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine H.E. Cardinal Pignedoli in a group photo with President Idi Amin and Most Rev ArchbishopEmmanuel Nsubuga of Kampala (far right) after the opening ceremony at Namu- gongo in 1975 69

THE 6th PLENARY evenings together and enjoy one another’s ASSEMBLY IN NAIROBI, company together. Parents must be totally committed to one KENYA IN 1976 another and never permit a third party to take part of that commitment away. Both On the Theme: parents must be fully committed to the temporal, psychological and spiritual needs“Building Small Christian Communities in of their children. The children, in return, Eastern Africa” should be committed to one another and to their parents, even when parents grow old.The Bishops started their message by That is why we maintain that anything thatexplaining what is a family in its relation threatens the well-being of the family is awith the Church –a community of believers. threat to the well-being of the community.It is the family that transmits life. It is in the The Bishops went further by saying thatfamily that we first learn to relate to other any legislation that permits a direct attackhuman beings, to develop a sense of upon the life of an unborn member of theobedience to authority, a sense of community oversteps the boundaries ofresponsibility and a sense of sharing with human law and offends God who gave lifeothers. It is in the family that we first discover to that child. And that any foreign countrythe real meaning of love, mutual concern, or organization that demands disseminationdedicated service to others, shelter, of unnatural methods of family planningnourishment and refuge. as a condition for financial aid is guilty of exploitation in its worst form.The family is the child’s first school. His The Bishops recommended that localteachers are his parents. It is they who communities should take the properhave the God-given right to educate their initiatives whenever they see any threatchildren and they should continue our to the family or its members. It shouldAfrican tradition of giving proper bring parents together to discuss theireducation within the family. This right over responsibilities in the family and do all it canthe education of their children remains even to strengthen family life and to insure that allwhen they go to school. No institutional members receive a proper formation withinsystem of education can take that right away the family. This is because the communityfrom them because parents retain the right can never consider itself something totallyto determine the kind of education their different from the family, since it is composedchildren shall receive and parents should of families. Its well-being depends on thespeak out if that right is trampled upon. well-being of families because the attitudes and values received within the family becomeFamilies at home should strengthen our the attitudes and values of the community.African tradition of togetherness. Theyshould never be strangers to one another.They should share their meals, time andconcerns with one another in the family.They should pray together, read theirHoly Book together, spend most of their 70

71A group photo: AMECEA plenary meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya in 1976

72 AMECEA Bishops and Cardinals attending the 6th Plenary meeting held in Nairobi Kenya in 1976 in a group photo with the Secre- tary of the Sacred Congregation for Evangelisation of Peoples Most Rev Archbishop Simon Lourdusamy (4th from left

73A group photo: AMECEA Plenary meeting participants held in Nairobi, Kenya in 1976. From left: Rt Rev Bishop Vincent McCauley, AMECEA Secretary General, H.E.Maurice Cardinal Otunga, Honourable Jeremiah Nyaga,Minister of Agriculture; Rt Rev Bishop James Odongo, Chairman of AMECEA and Rt Rev Bishop John Njenga, Bishop of Eldoret Diocese, Kenya

THE 7th PLENARY of charisms, but that it should not have ASSEMBLY IN ZOMBA, so many members that they cannot know each other on a person to person basis. MALAWI IN 1979 Other communities, such as those in schools, movements, professional and On the Theme: interest groups, etc., are also valuable and necessary, but they should be seen as “The Implementation of the AMECEA supplementary to the Small ChristianBishops Pastoral Priority of Building Small Communities described above. The Small Christian Community should not be Christian Communities: An Evaluation.” understood as a fringe group, nor a group for a few elite people, nor a group formedThe Bishops of AMECEA identified the task for a particular purpose, such as a prayerof building Small Christian Communities group, a solidarity, a Catholic Action group,as the pastoral priority for the Church in a development group, a study group, thoughEastern Africa. these are legitimate and valuable: it is precisely the means by which the one ChurchThe Bishops spoke of the Church as holy, is present in each locality, touching the wholeCatholic and Apostolic which is the visible life of its members. Geographical proximity,sacrament of God’s universal love and grace; though usually important, is not theit is a world-wide community of believers in defining element of a small Christianthe risen Christ, with the Pope as its visible community.head, the one who holds the primacy in love The Bishops spoke of specific roles of the or-over the entire Church But this universal dained ministers, religious men and wom-Church must be really present to Christians en, lay people and young people in thesein their own locality; it must be truly local as Small Christian Communities. They all havewell as universal. specific roles to play for the progress of the Small Christian Community. The small com-Small Christian Communities then are means munity should exemplify the mystery of theby which the Church is brought down to the Church in which “there is no longer Jew ordaily life and concerns of people to where Gentile, slave or free, male or female, butthey actually live. In them, the Church takes all are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26-29).on flesh and blood in the life situations of Small communities also seem to be thethe people. most effective means of making the Gospel message truly relevant to AfricanSpeaking on the size of a Small Christian cultures and traditions. By participatingCommunity the Bishops said this is in the life of the Church at this mostvariable, depending on local conditions and local level, Christian will foster the gradualon the natural community on which it must and steady maturing of the young Church.be built. In some cases, an “out-station”might be of a suitable size to form a smallcommunity, What really matters is that thecommunity should have enough membersand a sufficient degree of diversity toallow relative self-reliance and a fair variety 74

75A Group Photo: AMECEA plenary meeting held in Zomba, Malawi 1979

The Bishops recommended diocesan person was emphasized. This is because allprograms for on-going formation which are children of the same Father in heavenshould be taken as an immediate priority af- and are called by him to the same eternalter that conference. The resources and staff destiny. Thus, they are all member of theof the AMECEA Pastoral Institute, as well as same human family.of other institutes and seminaries, should be It is God who gave human beings the giftused for this task. of life. Each person is a unique, irreplaceable human reality from the moment we areThe Bishops promised their prayers so that conceived beneath the heart of our mother.Christians are to be the salt that gives flavor, This gift of life is precious. With life, God hasthe leaven that transforms, and then they given a human being all he or she needs tomust all discover anew the source of their preserve and develop this life on earth. Hevitality, and draw waters with joy from has given these gifts to the human familythe fount of the Savior. Nothing is more and it is their duty to ensure that these giftsurgently needed in the countries of are equitably shared among all his children.AMECEA that time than a living witness If one respects other persons, he or sheto the values of the Gospel, the values cannot steal from them nor use one’s highthat are able to transform society by their position to defraud them. One cannotspiritual power. It is with this concern demand a bribe from a person one respects,that the Bishops have reflected, shared nor deny that person what is rightfully hisand prayed together about their policy of or hers. Neither could one perform anybuilding Small Christian Communities. act of corruption in a society one respects.These, by enabling every Christian to come Instead, he or she should give an opportunityto a deeper and more mature faith, and to to the poor to better themselves.take an active part in the mission of the Society’s foundation: The Bishops said thatChurch, can truly become the leaven that Africans are a religious people with theirhas the power to renew the world. It is only own values. Without these values no ideol-communities that live the Gospel with joy ogy can offer an adequate and lasting reasonand gladness of heart that will be able to for respecting one another. African and reli-“overcome the world”. gious values are a rock foundation on which their society must be built. These are the val- THE 8th PLENARY ues that their society must reflect in its poli- ASSEMBLY IN NAIROBI, cies, its public morality and in its daily life. KENYA IN 1982 On the Theme: It is only by parents and others passing them “Families: Truly Christian and Truly on from their generation to the next that society will constantly be strengthened in its African.” worth, cleansed from its ills and enjoy the full development our Creator intended it toThe Bishops came up with two points:- have. This is done with the help of God who sentSociety must respect every person in whichthe need and importance for every other 76

77A Group photo: AMECEA plenary meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya in 1982

78 Participants of the 8th AMECEA plenary meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya in a session in 1982

His Son to help human beings. He died in These obstacles include among others, thethe struggle against evil and rose in victory opposition from governmental andover sin. He taught people to live together non-governmental agencies which promoteas his brothers and sisters. It is the Holy unorthodox ways of birth control; theSpirit who came to strengthen the people, disregard of traditional values; the lack ofenlighten and unite them in love and respect. adequate preparation for marriage and maintenance of stable families; ignorance THE 9th PLENARY about Christian marriage; the lack ofASSEMBLY IN MOSHI, deep faith; the influence of mass media and the lack of trained personnel TANZANIA IN 1986 for various family programs. It is in view of the above background that the On the Theme: Bishops came up with new initiatives. They appealed to the whole people of God to be“Families: Truly Christian and Truly fully involved in making these initiatives African.” as effective as possible. They also produced some guidelines to guide married people,The Bishops of AMECEA wished to for pre-marriage catechesis and for the manyencourage and support families in the region people in our region who live a nomadicin their efforts to live up to the challenges life and deserve a special apostolate andof the Gospel message. They prayed so catechesis which is adapted to their culturethat God may pour His blessings on them and world-view, a catechesis for Christianthat they may be increased in number families in which suggestions were made forand through their life witness they become deepening the sacramental life, the Biblicalpastoral agents in solving the problems nourishment, the spirituality of the familyof marriage and family life which they and the emergence of ministries to deal withstudied during the plenary study session. family problems according to the needs of our local church.The Bishops identified and examined some The Bishops declared that since the Christianof the major problems which became their family is the Domestic Church and thepastoral concern of family life. Such problems indispensable school for Christian values,include polygamy, broken marriages, it is also their pastoral priority within themigrant labor, and cultural differences overall priority of Small Christianin cases of transcultural marriages, Communities.pre-marriage cohabitation, mixed marriages,drunkenness and marital infidelity. Theyalso examined initiatives made hitherto onbehalf of families, such as the promotion ofmarriage encounter programs, naturalfamily planning, the Christian FamilyMovement, the Pioneer Movement orAlcoholics Anonymous; thediscouragements of these initiatives. 79

80 A Group photo: AMECEA plenary assembly held in Moshi, Tanzania in 1986

THE 10th PLENARY THE 11th PLENARYASSEMBLY IN KAMPALA, ASSEMBLY IN LUSAKA, UGANDA IN 1989 ZAMBIA IN 1992On the Theme: On the Theme:“Youth on the move towards the year 2000.” “Evangelism with its central issues:The Bishops of Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Inculturation, Small Christian Communi-started their message by saying that the ties and Priestly, Religious and Christianhope of the Church and the world is on theYouth and that the present and the future Formation.”belong to the Youth. But the future belongs The Bishops of AMECEA have studied theto them in a special way for hope is always issues facing their people and the responseslinked to the future; it is the expectation of to which they are called by the Holy Spirit.future good things. They have also met historic moment in theirHowever, the Bishops were aware of African societies, a critical moment both ofthe complexity and extent of the present opportunity and danger.situation and problems which confront our Many countries were experiencing the hopesyouth. In the countries of AMECEA region of new democracies as their political systems60% of the entire population is composed move toward greater accountability andof young people under the age of 35 years. transparency. But the economic restructuringMany lack the opportunities for education, which is going on within our countries isthe basic necessity of life and of proving to be very harsh. It is increasing inemployment. Bishops identified some root particular the suffering of the poor amongcauses of the youth problems. them.The world on the threshold of the year 2000 is Bishops were concerned of the greatin urgent need of change and transformation. suffering of so many people. Drought andBishops called on the Youth to keep their famine devastatedthe land; AIDS wasteseyes fixed on Jesus and to heed His call. most preciousresource, wars and oppressionHe is Lord and Saviour who calls them to cause refugees to flee their homes.“follow Him” and transform the world into Because of the intense persecution ofa world of love, justice and peace. Christians in the Sudan, Bishops said thatThe Youth were called to discover their gifts they had sent a special appeal for help toand their call in life; to join hands with us the United Nations, the Organization ofin building genuine community; to grow to African Unity, and the internationalmaturity in Christ and to share in the community. Islamic Fundamentalism posedChurch’s mission of bringing the Good a serious threat to the political and religiousNews of salvation to all people especially to freedoms of the people of the region.their fellow youth. Therefore Bishops called upon leaders to promote respect and tolerance of all citizens. 81

The Bishops also expressed their fraternal for the transformation of society accordingsolidarity with the church in Malawi at that to the church’s social teaching.difficult time of the violation of human rightsin that country. While aware of some recent In order to be more effective in theirsigns of hope, they urged that there should collaboration in the region, they shouldbe continuing progress in the promotion of review in depth the AMECEA institutions.human rights and justice. Bishops pledged to strengthen theseThe situation in Kenya was a cause of great institutions so that they could embody aconcern also for the Bishops. They prayed vision of the Church in Africa beyond thefor an end to ethnic conflict and a peaceful year 2000: creatively serving God’s Peopletransition to democracy. And as they heard in a way that is self-ministering, self-in those days of the terrible plight of the propagating and self-supporting. Greaterpeople of Somalia, Bishops promised their ecumenical cooperation would be fosteredprayers for God’s merciful blessings for this where possible.country.Bishops reflected on ways of strengthening The final appeal was made to the Catholicthe church’s response to meeting the people of the AMECEA region to walk withchallenges of these times. the Bishops toward the year 2000, trusting inFirst, they explored the meaning and the power of Jesus in establishing here God’simplementation of Inculturation, making Kingdom of justice, peace and love. “He isJesus Christ at home in our African setting. the one who calls us anew to share the GoodThey recognized that the work of News with our sisters and brothers throughinculturation must touch not only the our word and witness. All that we are aboutliturgy but also catechesis, style of governing, is God’s work. We therefore urge you to joinwhole way of living as Christians. with us in the months ahead by prayingSecond, the Bishops renewed their daily for the success of the Synod.”commitment, originally made in 1973,to the building of Small Christian THE 12th PLENARYCommunities (SCCs) as the major pastoral ASSEMBLY IN MANGOCHI,priority of AMECEA. They stressed againthat SCCs are not optional in their churches; MALAWI IN 1995they are central to the life of faith and theministry of evangelization. On the Theme:Third, the tasks of inculturation andbuilding Small Christian Communities “The role of the Church in Development inrequire well-trained priests, religious and the light of the African Synod.”laity. There must be greater empowerment ofthe laity to serve in the church and to work The Bishops of AMECEA reflected together on the theme of Development and wanted to express their concern for the life of their people; also in its economic and social aspects. The Bishops spoke on the following agenda: 82

Growing poverty disrupts society: Many enrichment nor to favor your family orpeople do not have access to the basic clan. A good leader works for thenecessities of life. Moreover, the burdens ofoffering education and health services have common good.been ever increasing in recent years rather • To the international community: Tothan becoming lighter. Some of the causes review Bishops’ appeal for debthave their root in human greed and lust problem.Povertymustbetakenasaglobalfor power which lead to civil wars, ethnic problem.conflicts, economic exploitation, social evils • To the governments and people of Sudansuch as crime, drug abuse and corruption. and Somalia: Conflicts and wars makeDemocracy needs economic development:Democracy is growing to a greater degree in development impossible. Bishopssome of AMECEA countries. But, the growth appeal for dialogue among the differentof democracy will not by itself removepoverty, guarantee security and peace nor parties in order to establish justice, peacecreate basic social justice. Often we notice and democracy for all.that the new political parties seldom offer anyalternative ideas on how to alleviate poverty. The Church-as-Family: Together they have aPeople of hope: Bishops believe that we, the great capacity to solve most difficulties. Ifpeople of Eastern Africa, have the power the Church is to become the family of Godand the capacity within ourselves to face our in Africa, then the people of God have toown problems and seek solutions for them. learn to sit together, to look together at theirBishops therefore appealed to : situation, to listen to each other, to plan a• Everybody: to see how they can help one common project and feel all responsible for realizing it. another.• All communities: To pull together their THE 13th PLENARY ASSEMBLY IN NAIROBI, efforts and talents together and build cooperatives and other self-help schemes KENYA IN 1999 to alleviate and eradicate poverty. On the Theme:• To local governments: To assist the local “Formation of Agents of Evangelization.” communities and not to treat them as objects or ignorant agents. The Catholic Bishops of the AMECEA• To professional people: To see your region expressed their commitment to build profession as a service to society. with their people a vigorous Church, as the• To pastoral collaborators: To live in these African Synod wished - a Church-as-family. However, that required effective programs times of distress in solidarity with our of formation at every level in the Church, people. To lead them through the from the faithful to themselves, the bishops. example of hard work and dedication. To avoid giving scandal to the people by an Implementation of the African Synod: Rec- extravagant style of life. ognizing that while much has been done• To leaders: To serve the community. Do to implement the teachings of the African not use your power for personal Synod, much still remains to be done. The 83

Welcoming President Daniel Arap Moi ofKenya at the inauguration ceremony of theAMECEA plenary meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya in 1999 Participants of the 13th AMECEA plenary meeting in a session 84

Bishops reflected on their efforts on how their responsibilities to the full.they could make the Church become more They considered the formation of the laitylike an African family, in some aspects, and particularly the youth. They also thoughtespecially in the interior relationships about the formation of catechists, who arebetween its members. the front line evangelizers and to whom theThenecessaryrenewalandchangeofattitudes Church in Africa owes a great debt. Theywill come about through an appropriate also thought of on-going formation forformation, both initial and ongoing, for all the Bishops, priests and women and menmembers of the Church - a formation that religious, who co-operate so closely with thewill help them to be conscious that they are Bishops in the ministry of evangelization.partners in the mission of evangelization. The laity should take an active role inThis fluid and turbulent period of history: various aspects of the life of the Church.The Bishops reflected on rapid change that is Thus, the Bishop should form them to enableengulfing the world, sometimes designated them to assume confidently their civicby the term ‘globalization’. So many changes responsibilities and to consider socio-were taking place in their countries and the political problems in the light of the Gospelfalling away of so many of good traditions and of faith in God. Bishops alsoin face of the global secular and pervasive acknowledged the role of women as mothersculture that is propagated everywhere by and sisters in the family and their specialan ever more powerful communication duties as the first teachers in life.technology. War, violence and the They acknowledged the crucial role of theinfringement of human rights are all priest as fathers and servants and theirobstacles to Bishops’ mission of loyalty and dedicated service to theevangelization. In these circumstances, community of Christians. As they reflectedthe importance of formation for all agents on the seminary formation the Bishopsof evangelization is clearer than ever. recognized that while it is basically sound,The whole community needs to be especially the intellectual and academictrained, motivated and empowered for preparation, there are other areas that needevangelization, each according to his more attention: such as human, spiritualor her specific role within the church. and pastoral formation - a formation thatFormation of all agents of must be more experiential and spiritual andevangelization: The bishops examined the practical. To the seminary staff: theirformation of all agents of evangelization with difficult and highly responsible task isa view to meeting the challenges they face and very much appreciated and so they alsotransforming the Church more and more need a special preparation as formators,into a community that will be experienced to equip them to accompany studentsby all its members as a family to which they in some of the areas of formation wetruly belong, in which they feel at home and have mentioned. Bishops thanked thewilling to commit themselves to exercise missionaries, their first formators, and asked them to continue in their role as formators. 85

THE 14th PLENARY armed conflict through mediated peaceful ASSEMBLY IN DAR ES means. “We call upon the political leaders in SALAAM, TANZANIA IN 2002 our Region, and indeed all African leaders, to effectively intervene through mediation YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES with the Government of the Sudan, to see (Acts 1:8) that lasting peace is effectively established.” To the people of Somalia the AMECEA On the Theme: Bishops asked the Somali leaders, and the leaders of IGAD, particularly the “Deeper Evangelization in the New neighboring countries to overcome their Millennium.” particular interests and work effectively to restore law and order, security and peace, inThe Catholic Bishops of the AMECEARegion that country.evaluated the 40 years of AMECEA They emphasized the need for active anddiscovering its strengths, fruits and its full participation of the Lay Faithful inimpact on the people of God in the Region, Evangelization and development andas well as the weaknesses which ought committed themselves to greater promotionto be eliminated. They also stressed the of Christian unity and inter-religiousimportance of doing Evangelization as dialogue in the regions. The Bishops said,members of the family of God guided “We committed ourselves and the entireby love for each other, care, acceptance, Catholic Church in the Region to be in thedialogue, solidarity, and justice. forefront in the peacemaking process and pledged to continue speaking out againstThe Bishops chose Jesus’ preferential option war and conflict and to do whatever isfor the poor, the vulnerable, and the necessary to bring about lasting peace andoppressed in society, as the guiding harmony based on social justice.”principle in their Evangelization. Reference They emphasized the need for collaborationwas made to their brothers and sisters in in the work of justice and peace with allSudan, Somalia, and Northern Uganda. It organizations, groups and individuals whois because of wars that there were so many are committed to the same cause. They alsomillions of refugees and internally displaced called on the Justice and Peace Commissionspersons on the African continent. and Committees, at all levels of the Church, to conscientize all the people of God,The Bishops condemned strongly the through an appropriate catechesis andcontinued practice of slavery, the restriction spirituality of justice and peace, basedof the freedom of religion imposed on on the Social Teaching of the Church. Allnon-Muslims, and the unequal treat- agents of Evangelization should be formedment of non-Muslims in the Sudan. in these Social Teachings. They also calledThese injustices should be brought to upon pastoral agents to instill the Kingdoman end. They urged the Government values of justice and peace, particularlyof the Sudan, the Sudan People’s LiberationArmy (SPLA) and the civil society of thatcountry, to take necessary steps to end the 86

87The opening ceremony of the 14th AMECEA plenary meeting held in Dar es salaam, Tanzania in 2002

88 A Group photo with President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania during the AMECEA plenary meeting held in Dar es salaam, Tanzania in 2002

among the teachers, medical personnel, policies, accountability and transparency.police, armed forces, civil servants, They also called upon the world communitypoliticians, professionals, and business and humanitarian organizations topeople. To the Justice and Peace Commissions do whatever they can to preventin the AMECEA Region the Bishops called the impending human catastrophe.them to train people, at all levels of society, They also urged Caritas/Developmentin the skills of mediation, negotiation, offices, at all levels of the Church, toarbitration,andreconciliation,soastomanage empower people for authentic development,conflicts as well as investing in lasting peace. as Pope Paul VI reminded them that,More importantly, the Bishops were greatly “Development is the new name for Peace.”concerned about the magnitude of the On Globalization the Bishops spoke ofHIV/AIDS pandemic in the Region. They globalization of solidarity, urging thatcommitted themselves to stand in solidarity marginalized groups of society shouldwith the affected and infected people. They be empowered. Globalization is abused;pledged to take the lead and urge all pastoral capitalism glorifies profit at the expense ofagents to undertake stronger awareness the poor. A call was made to all professionalscreation and education of people on this in the region to assist the people of Godmajor problem. The Bishops also called to examine globalization critically, so asupon governments to do all in their power to utilise its positive aspects, while fullyand capacity to transparently and effectively rejecting its negative elements.respond to this challenge of HIV/AIDS. To On debts of the poor countries, the Bishopsthe people of God, the Bishops called for said that it was immoral and unethical anda radical change of their sexual behavior, indeed a structure of sin for rich countriesadhere to marital faithfulness and sexual to continue demanding from poor countriesabstinence outside marriage, as the fully the payment of huge sums of money asassured means to fight against HIV/AIDS. debt repayments. The money for servicingThe Bishops were also disturbed by the debt could be used for providing basicincreased poverty in the Region, famine healthcare, education and other socialand issues of food security, clean and safe services to the poor in our countries. Thewater, basic health and education, permanent Bishop appealed for debts cancellation.shelter, accepted human conditions of life, Good governance was still a challenge toa clean and healthy environment. Extreme all countries in the region. The Bishopspoverty leads to conflicts. They listed some called upon political leaders to respect theof the common causes of poverty and values and principles of good governanceunderdevelopment in the region, such particularly, tolerance, pluralism, the rule ofas corruption, fraud, embezzlement, and law, and the full participation of the peoplediversion of public resources which the in their own governance. The BishopsBishops strongly condemned. They urged acknowledged the positive intervention ofthe governments and civil society and all the Church and the people of Zambia andpeople of God to fight the root causes ofthese problems through hard work, proper 89

Malawi in defending constitutionalism Gospel values while paying attention toagainst those who wanted to selfishly those in the political, economic and culturalundermine it in these countries. sectors. Deeper Evangelization, demandedThe Bishops commended the efforts to constant conversion to Christ, and thebuild and strengthen regional economic and uncompromising commitment, throughpolitical groupings like the Common prayer and action, based on values of theMarket for East and Southern Africa Kingdom of God.(COMESA) East African Community (EAC)and the Southern African Development THE 15th PLENARYCommunity (SADC). They called upon ASSEMBLY IN MUKONO,their political leaders in the region, andelsewhere in Africa, to look for greater UGANDA IN 2005political, economic integration and unity,and ensure that the success of these efforts CALLED TO BE A GOOD SAMARITANdepends on the active participation of their (Lk: 10:30-37)citizens in these processes and these newbodies. On the Theme:The Bishops condemned oppressive culturalpractices and customs such as female genital “Responding to the Challenges of HIV/AIDSmutilation, the commercialization of in AMECEA Region.”“bride-wealth”, domestic violence againstwomen, and abuse of patriachalism to The Catholic Bishops of the AMECEA regiondiscriminate against women, the practices reflected upon and prayed over the pastoralof widow inheritance and exclusion of challenges of HIV and AIDS within thewomen from property ownership. They also region and wanted to share their concernsdenounced the evils of tribalism and and thoughts with the various groups ofethnocentrism, which are at the root people of God in the region.causes of social conflict in the region.The Bishops called upon the revitalization of However, before the plenary assembly theSmall Christian Communities (SCCs), which Bishops visited and met various institutionsoften encouraged people to live as members and communities dealing with HIV/AIDSof the family of God regardless of race or in Uganda and in their respective countries,political affiliation. They called upon the Bishops were very impressed by the effortspeople of God to disseminateAMECEA’s new made by Episcopal Conferences, Dioceses,Vision and Mission statements, and Mandate, Parishes, Congregations and the Faithful inamong all the people of God, in the Region. responding generously, often under difficultTo the Lay faithful: women, men, youth, circumstances, to the challenges of HIV/and professionals, the Bishops called upon AIDS in the AMECEA region.them as pastoral agents, to evangelize theentire society, wherever they are, with Praise also went to all medical personnel in the region in treating and caring for people living with HIV/AIDS; and all the counselors who were giving hope to the sick, as well as medical researchers in both modern 90

91A Group photo: AMECEA Participants of Capacity Building workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2006

and traditional medicines, who are doing people of good will to respect the full dignitytheir best in the search for a cure. The and equal rights of all people living with HIV/Bishops appreciated the involvement of AIDS. They called for affirmative action andmany conscientious parents, teachers, and empowering policies from governments inreligious leaders who take to heart the dealing with people living with HIV/AIDS.instruction of children, youth and They reminded the Catholic Faithful to servecommunities, in good moral behavior, as shining examples in respecting the humanwhich is essential to the prevention of the dignity of the sick and offering special carespread of HIV/AIDS. to people who are living with HIV/AIDS.Reality and Concerns: Bishops were greatly Media:Bishopsrecognizedandacknowledgedalarmed by the magnitude of HIV/AIDS, that public and private media houses areits origin, causes, spread and consequences. important partners in the fight againstThey were aware of the many factors that HIV/AIDS. The Church, governments andhave aggravated the spread of HIV/AIDS private media houses should take deliberatethroughout Africa. These include; abject steps to creatively use the media in this fight.poverty, greed and corruption, ignorance and They appealed to Catholic radio stationsilliteracy, high levels of unemployment, war and media houses to find innovative waysand the existence of refugees and internally to educate and sensitize people about HIV/displaced persons, inequality between men AIDS, to promote counseling and goodand women, immoral behavior, disrespect family values, and to enhance the positiveof children’s rights, and negative traditional appreciation of human sexuality and chastity.cultural practices. All these factors have Foods and Fruits: The Bishops observed thatgreatly increased the spread of HIV/AIDS, God the Creator has given AMECEA regiongiving rise to prejudice, discrimination and abundant healthy natural foods andstigma. fruits. They called upon the GovernmentsHolistic Care for All: The Church, in her in the region to promote sustainableevangelizing mission is called to remember agriculture in order to develop, protect,the demands of the Gospel and to offer and preserve indigenous seeds, the soilpastoral care to people living with HIV/ and the environment. Bishops discouragedAIDS. “We see a more holistic care as a great the promotion of genetically modifiedneed in the context of immense suffering of foods and called upon the governmentsour people. Holistic care designates complete to put in place a policy that protectsand integrated response to the needs of a the natural foods and environment.human person ranging from spiritual, Couples with Special Difficulties:physical, psychological, social and As shepherds of the Catholic Church in thematerial. This care is to be given both to AMECEA Region the Bishops listened tothe sick in our communities and those the cries of their people living with HIV/in hospitals including members of the AIDS. The Bishops called upon all pastoralclergy and religious who are living with agents to be close to the couples with specialHIV/AIDS,” the Bishops emphasized. problems arising from HIV/AIDS conditions.Solidarity with People Living With HIV/AIDS: Integral Sexuality: The Bishops taught thatBishops called upon all Christians and 92

93A Group photo: AMECEA Participants of HIV/AIDS workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2006

sexuality is a precious gift from God, the Ecumenical and Interfaith Approach: BishopsCreator to every man and woman. Thus, realized the need of networking withpeople were to honor it, respect it, and use ecumenical partners and the Interfaithit according to God’s commandment and Organizations and communities in the fightthe teaching of the Church. The Bishops against HIV/AIDS. “This networking willcondemned all negative and unethical use help them avoid duplication of efforts andof sexuality in this region and worldwide. increase the mobilization of the requiredParents, teachers and pastoral agents human resources for a consolidatedshould do everything in their power and response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic,” thecapacity to teach children, youth, and all Bishops stated.those preparing for marriage, about theirhuman sexuality so that they acquire sound New Policies in our Church: Formulating ofvalues and virtues to uphold chastity new policies in our Evangelization wasand shun all pre-marital sex. Pastoral agents needed so that the challenge of HIV/AIDSshould guide married couples in living is focused-on and mainstreamed in allout their marriage vocation faithfully. activities to enhance the holistic approach.Advocacy: The Bishops were committedas Church leaders to undertake a strong Thus, all AMECEA Institutions of highercampaign of advocacy for persons infected learning, formation houses and seminariesand affected with HIV/AIDS before their should treat the issue of HIV/AIDSgovernments, all sectors of society and thoroughly in their programs of study.international community, so that policies of AMECEA Bishops mandated allaffirmative action are made and greater departments and commissions at Episcopalfinancial and holistic assistance and support Conference level to integrate the challenge ofare given. HIV/AIDS in their programs and activities.Sustainability of HIV/AIDS Programs: In viewof the challenges of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Globalization: Bishops were greatly concernedespecially the needs of our people living about the negative effects of globalization.with this terrible disease and those affected Apart from growing economic inequalitiesby its impact, the Bishops recognize and the bishops were deeply concerned aboutappreciate what the local communities are the promotion of pornography in alldoing to provide material resources and forms through all types of media, whicha Christian witness in accompanying the corrupt children and the youth andsick and caring for widows, widowers and contribute to the further spread ofthe orphans in their midst. They asked the HIV/AIDS. They also condemned theMember Episcopal Conferences to intensify liberalisation and commercialisation of sex,strategic collaboration with governments which is contrary to human and religiousand international funding agencies. On values.its part, AMECEA will support theseefforts through lobbying and advocacy. Debt Cancellation and Real Development 94

Assistance: In order to promote global and THE 16th PLENARYhuman solidarity Bishops appealed to the rich ASSEMBLY IN LUSAKA,nations of the world to cancel immediatelythe debt of the poorest countries. ZAMBIA IN 2008Other important Challenges On the Theme:Peace in Southern Sudan: Bishops called “Reconciliation through Justice and Peace”upon the African Union, all leaders and peo-ples ofAfrica, and all countries of the world to The Catholic Bishops of AMECEA regiongenerously contribute to the emergency were concerned about the situation in theneeds, the rehabilitation and full-scale region, namely, the Darfur Region anddevelopment of the Southern Sudan. Southern Sudan, the conflict in Northern Uganda, the unprecedented crisis followingConflict in Darfur: Bishops urged that the the presidential and parliamentary electionsapproach for a solution in Darfur be treated of 2007 in Kenya, the recent tension betweenseparately from the peace agreement Djibouti and Eritrea, the continuous crisison the Southern Sudan, and particularly in Somalia, the political impasse in Malawithis should not overshadow nor block and the tension existing between Eritrea andthe need for humanitarian assistance Ethiopia. They were also greatly concernedand development to Southern Sudan. about the crisis in Zimbabwe. Thus, they were in view of all this offering pastoralNorthern Uganda: The Bishops called upon guidance to God’s people whom they arethe rebels the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) privileged to shepherd.to heed the cry of their people and acceptdialogue with the government and its peace Evangelisation: Bishops of AMECEA realizedteam in order to end this long lasting conflict. the challenges the Church is facing in its Evangelizing Mission, especially in bringingEritrea/Ethiopia: The Bishops strongly about reconciliation through Justice andappealed to the international community Peace. The Church does not have all the meansto do whatever is possible to resolve their to solve conflicts and tensions. However,conflict so that the two countries can resume the Church should continue to be prophetic,good neighborly cross-border relations. that is, to be an agent of justice, forgive- ness and reconciliation. They challenged their theologians to develop a theology of Truth and Reconciliation that will enable the Church to address and foster reconciliation through Justice and Peace. Reconciliation from the heart: As shepherds, they believed that reconciliation should be at the centre of what the Church does and should start from the heart of each person. As Christians they are all called upon to 95

Priests in procession and Bishops in preparation for the inauguration Holy Mass of the 16th AMECEA plenary meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia in 2008 96

97Conferences Secretaries General during Eucharistic celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2008