Bishops from Africa and Europe Discuss the Church's Future
In a landmark seventh joint seminar held in Nairobi from January 23 to 26, Catholic bishops from Africa and Europe engaged in crucial discussions surrounding the future of the Church. The gathering, themed "Synodality: Africa and Europe Walking Together," brought together 20 bishops, with half hailing from the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa (SECAM) and the other half from the Council of European Bishops' Conference (CCEE).
Originally scheduled for 2021 but postponed due to the COVID pandemic, the conference explored pivotal topics such as reforms of the Roman Curia, insights from the Synod on Synodality, and the integral role of youth in the Church's mission.
At the concluding press conference, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa, the president of SECAM, and Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, president of CCEE, shared key takeaways from the discussions. They highlighted the significant reform of the Roman Curia through the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, implemented in June 2022. According to the bishops, this reform represents a crucial step towards a more missionary, collaborative, and inclusive church that values the participation of both the clergy and the laity.
The bishops also delved into insights from the first session of the Synod on Synodality, held in Rome in October, acknowledging the distinct cultural and ecclesial identities of both African and European perspectives. They emphasized the enriching contributions of both regions to the global church's journey towards a more synodal structure.
Crucially, the bishops stressed the need to listen to the youth, recognizing their unique perspectives and energy as vital components for the church's growth and relevance. This engagement with the youth was described not merely as inclusion but as a fundamental step towards ensuring a dynamic, vibrant, and relevant church community.
When questioned about the absence of a collective response from CCEE to Fiducia Supplicans, the Vatican document on pastoral blessings for "irregular" couples, Archbishop Gruas explained that the bishops of Europe, within their conferences, responded differently and lacked a single unified voice on the matter.
SECAM's general secretary, Fr. Rafael Simbine Jr., highlighted the seminar's significance in fostering deeper communion and solidarity between the churches in Africa and Europe. Since its inception in 2004, this collaboration has become a vital platform for dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing the commitment to navigate the evolving landscape of the Catholic Church.
