The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) are set to hold their seventh joint seminar from Jan. 23 to 26, 2024, at the Mariapolis Retreat Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.
The SECAM Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ibadan.
Simbine said the seminar, with the theme, “Synodality: Africa and Europe Walking Together”, marks a continued commitment to fostering deeper communion and solidarity between the Churches in Africa and Europe.
According to him, since the inception of the seminar in 2004, the collaboration has became a vital platform for dialogue and mutual understanding.
“The upcoming seminar, initially scheduled for 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-I9 pandemic, and it promises to leverage past discussions while looking ahead to new horizons in the Church’s global mission.
“The seminar will feature 20 bishops, 10 from each continent, alongside 8 facilitators and assistants.
“It begins on Tuesday, Jan. 23, with the arrival of delegates, followed by a packed agenda, including masses, prayer sessions, and in-depth discussions.
“Key highlights of the programme include presentations and dialogues on understanding the emerging synodal church in the light of ‘praedicate evangelium’.
“It also includes insights into the continental impressions of the first session of the Synod on Synodality held in Rome in October 2023,” he said.
Simbine said a special focus would be placed on listening to the voices of young people in both continents, recognizing their crucial role in shaping the future of the Church.
The Rev. Fr. noted that the seminar would culminate in a final statement on Jan. 25, followed by a closing mass and dinner at Christ the King Parish.
“This event signifies a continued commitment to the spirit of synodality and mutual enrichment between the Churches of Africa and Europe.
“The seminar stands as a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration across continents, seeking to
understand and address the unique challenges and opportunities presented in both contexts.
“As the world faces unprecedented changes and challenges, the Church’s role in promoting justice, peace, and solidarity becomes ever more crucial.
“This seminar provides a platform for shared learning and cooperative action between these two vital limbs of the Universal Church”, Simbine stated. (NAN
