Latest news with #SECAM
Zawya
6 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) Announces 20th Plenary Assembly in Rwanda
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( is pleased to announce its 20th Plenary Assembly, scheduled to take place from 30 July to 4 August 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.' This Assembly, coinciding with the Jubilee Year, offers a moment of deep ecclesial grace to evaluate the life and mission of the Church in Africa and to set forth a visionary roadmap for the next 25 years (2025–2050). A Continental Ecclesial Milestone The Plenary Assembly of SECAM is the most important gathering of the Catholic Church in Africa and its Islands. Held every three years, it brings together a significant number of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the continent and beyond. This 20th edition is expected to host approximately 250 participants from all 54 African countries and its islands, along with invited dignitaries and Church partners from other continents, making it a truly continental and global ecclesial event. It will serve as a privileged moment of reflection, communion, and decision-making for the life and mission of the Church in Africa. The Assembly will be presided over by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM. Building on the mandate of the 19th Plenary Assembly in Accra (July 2022), the Kigali Assembly will evaluate progress in strengthening synodality, institutional autonomy, theological foundations, and regional collaboration across the Church in Africa. Advancing a Shared Vision Since 2022, SECAM has worked through its Standing Committee and Secretariat to promote greater communion and mission through: Advancing synodality and participation at all levels; Strengthening institutional and financial self-reliance; Enhancing theological reflection and pastoral care; Fostering intercontinental and ecumenical partnerships; Raising Africa's voice on global issues such as climate change, justice, and peace. Addressing Pastoral and Cultural Realities One major issue under review will be the pastoral accompaniment of Catholics in polygamous unions, a complex cultural reality in African societies and beyond. SECAM has engaged theologians across the continent to explore this topic theologically and pastorally. The Assembly will also feature key presentations, including: A theological reflection on the theme: 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace' A draft document entitled: 'The Vision of the Church–Family of God in Africa and its Islands: 2025–2050' A pastoral document on 'Accompaniment of Persons in Polygamous Situations' These will be complemented by plenary discussions, working groups, liturgical celebrations, departmental reports, and a concluding message to the Church and society. The Twelve Pillars of the Church's Future Earlier this year, in preparation for the Assembly, SECAM held a high-level seminar in Accra (April 2025) to develop a long-term vision for the African Church. Discussions centered around twelve key pillars: Evangelization (Catholic education and theological formation) A self-reliant Church; Family-based models of leadership; Missionary discipleship and synodality; Care for creation; Youth engagement and ecclesial renewal; Justice, peace, and integral human development; Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue; Digital evangelization; Health and well-being of God's people; Liturgical life in African contexts; Church and political engagement. This strategic vision document will be presented for discussion and possible adoption by the bishops at the Kigali Assembly. Engaging Africa's Socio-Political Challenges In keeping with its prophetic mission, SECAM will also assess current political and social dynamics across the regions of Africa, with a focus on: Governance and public leadership; Human rights and social justice; Poverty and debt; Climate and environmental stewardship; Dialogue, peacebuilding, and interreligious relations; Safeguarding and youth protection. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Júnior Secretary General, SECAM Accra, Ghana About SECAM: Founded in 1969 during Pope St. Paul VI's historic visit to Africa, SECAM is the continental structure of the Catholic Church in Africa and Madagascar. Its mission is to foster communion, promote evangelization, and be the moral and spiritual voice of the Church across the continent. Its key departments include: Commission for Evangelization; Justice, Peace and Development Commission (JPDC); Department of Social Communication. In addition, SECAM operates a Liaison Office to the African Union based in Addis Ababa to ensure Church participation in continental policymaking and advocacy. SECAM is composed of eight regional episcopal bodies:
Herald Malaysia
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Bishops' conferences and councils appeal for ecological conversion
The bishops' conferences and councils from Asia, Africa and Latin America (SECAM, CELAM and FABC) and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America publish a document calling for climate justice and ecological conversion in light of the UN climate change conference, COP30, which will take place in November in Brazil. Jul 02, 2025 File photo of a dried lake in Malawi (AFP or licensors) By Isabella H. de CarvalhoThe regional bishops' conferences and councils from Asia, Africa, and Central and South America, in coordination with the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, have joined forces to appeal for climate justice and an ecological conversion across the world. In light of the United Nations' climate change conference COP30, which will take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025, these bodies have published a joint document titled 'A call for climate justice and the common home: ecological conversion, transformation and resistance to false solutions', which was presented today, July 1, during a press conference at the Holy See Press Office. It was also shown to Pope Leo XIV earlier in the day. The document reiterates the Church's commitment to climate justice and calls nations and governments to action, inspired by the Pontiff's call to promote an integral ecology, and in line with Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. A call to conscience 'Our message today is not diplomatic; it is eminently pastoral. It is a call to conscience in the face of a system that threatens to devour creation, as if the planet were just another commodity,' said Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Damao in India, and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC). Alongside him at the press conference were Cardinal Jaime Spengler, Archbishop of Porto Alegre (Brazil), President of the Brazilian bishops' conference (CNBB) and the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM); Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM); and Emlice Cuda, secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. 'As missionary apostles of an outgoing synodal Church, we will go to COP30 to build peace in the midst of this war in pieces against creation, where many are dying and will die even more if we do not act now,' Cuda said. 'We do so because, as Pope Leo XIV says, the Church 'always seeks to be close, especially to those who suffer''. From the Amazon to Africa, the Church raises its voice 'I am raising a voice that is not mine alone, but that of the Amazonian peoples, of the martyrs of the land - we could say of the climate -, and of the riverside, indigenous, Afro-descendant, peasant and urban communities', Cardinal Spengler said in his speech, speaking from the perspective of Latin America. 'There is an urgent need to become aware of the need for changes in lifestyle, production and consumption'. He for example denounced the 'masking' of economic interests under names such as 'green capitalism' or 'transition economy' or the opening of new oil wells in the Amazon and emphasized the Church rejects mechanisms such as the 'financialization of nature' Similarly, Cardinal Ambongo spoke 'in the name of the Churches of the African continent,' which has been 'impoverished by centuries of extractivism, slavery and exploitation'. He highlighted how the race to exploit minerals is at the 'origin of the proliferation of armed groups' and called for 'an economy that is not based on the sacrifice of African populations to enrich others'. 'Africa wants to contribute to a future of justice and peace for all mankind', he insisted. 'We say enough is enough, enough of false solutions, enough of decisions taken without listening to those on the front line of climate collapse'. From the point of view of the Asian continent, Cardinal Ferrao explained that 'millions of people are already living the devastating effects of climate change: typhoons, forced migration, loss of islands, pollution of rivers' while 'false solutions are advancing: mega infrastructures, displacement for "clean" energy that does not respect human dignity, and soulless mining in the name of green batteries'. 'Rich countries ought to recognise and pay their ecological debt, without continuing to indebt the Global South,' he said, adding that the Church wants to promote alternatives such as 'educational programmes,' 'new economic pathways' or the 'accompaniment of women and girls' who are often most affected. --Vatican News
Zawya
27-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
APO Group Reveals its Role as Architect Behind Catholic Church in Africa's Groundbreaking Communications Volunteer Programme
APO Group ( a leading award-winning pan-African public relations and communications consultancy, has strategically unveiled a volunteer communications programme comprising experienced communication professionals to support the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa. This groundbreaking initiative, developed and launched by APO Group aims to enhance the Roman Catholic Churches ability to communicate effectively and engage with communities across the African continent. The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres. APO Group and SECAM, the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, first entered into their partnership in May 2022 with the shared goal of enhancing media and public relations support for the Catholic Church in Africa. Not only did APO Group conceive the volunteer programme but it also assembled a team of elite, well-experienced African communications professionals. The professionalization of SECAM's communications capabilities extends beyond standard capacity-building. This initiative includes the development and delivery of a strategic communications framework that aligns with SECAM's core mission and long-term objectives. The effort also builds upon APO Group's previous collaborations with the Church, which include the creation and roll-out of a comprehensive communications curriculum and tailored training programme for Catholic institutions across Africa. The volunteer communications team will focus on key priorities, such as: Crafting and executing a long-term communications strategy for SECAM to strengthen the voice of the Roman Catholic Church and increase awareness of its work across Africa. Enhancing media relations to amplify the Church's presence. Designing effective visibility tools to connect with diverse stakeholders across Africa and beyond. Several talented professionals have already joined the SECAM Communications Volunteer Programme, bringing a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to advancing the Church's mission across Africa. Among them are Catherine Njoroge ( Head of Marketing and Strategy, who plays a role in shaping long-term plans to strengthen the Church's visibility; Nyarai Chapingidza ( Digital MarComm Manager, who drives efforts to boost SECAM's online presence; Lucy Kimani ( Director of Communications and Advocacy, who steers impactful storytelling and advocacy campaigns; and Eunice Chege ( Communications Advisor, who contributes her extensive experience in developing and implementing communication strategies. Additionally, professionals joining in the business support functions include Majina Mwasezi ( Project Coordinator; Pauline Lugalia ( Executive Assistant to the Head of the Catholic Church in Africa; and Anne Nasumba ( Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Rose Thuo ( who joined the programme as Chief of Marketing and Communications, said: 'We are witnessing a remarkable convergence of talent and purpose. Each volunteer brings something unique to the table, and together, we are building a communications foundation that will serve the African Catholic Church for years to come.' There is an urgent and immediate need for candidates with HR and recruitment, as well as Graphic Design and website management experience to join the Roman Catholic Church in Africa's volunteer programme. Individuals with this expertise are encouraged to apply and support the Church's mission by strengthening its operational capacity across the continent. Interested volunteers are encouraged to apply through the official link: 'This pro bono initiative reflects APO Group's commitment to supporting impactful organisations across Africa. Many high-impact organisations (including NGOs) in Africa face financial barriers to establishing strong communication systems. This should never impede their ability to be seen and heard,' said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard ( Founder and Chairman of APO Group. 'Through initiatives like this volunteer programme, we strive to bridge that gap—delivering professional support to elevate their messaging and outreach at the highest possible level.' 'Africa is now the future of the Roman Catholic Church,' said Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the President of SECAM. 'As our communities continue to grow, it becomes ever more important to amplify our voice and share our mission with the world. 'We are grateful to APO Group for their support and expertise in making this vision a reality. Their role in designing and implementing this initiative has been invaluable. APO Group's dedication to empowering impactful organisations aligns perfectly with our mission, and their contribution will undoubtedly leave a legacy in the Church's journey toward greater visibility and engagement worldwide.' As part of its ongoing partnership with the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, APO Group has delivered a comprehensive range of support initiatives, including complimentary pan-African press release distribution and media monitoring, extensive online and in-person media training for over 22 communication professionals across the continent, and the provision of Zoom licences to Episcopal and Regional Episcopal Conferences. APO Group Founder and Chairman has personally led training sessions and held strategic meetings with Church dignitaries in several African countries to assess further areas of support. Furthermore, a volunteer programme launched in 2024 is now active, enhancing operational assistance for the Church throughout Africa. According to recent data from the Vatican, there are 1.39 billion Catholics worldwide, representing around 18% of the world's population. Africa's 236 million Catholics already make up about 20% of the global Catholic population, but they are also the fastest-growing region in the world. By 2050, the World Christian Database estimates that African Catholics will make up 32% of the global Catholic population. According to the United Nations' 2022 State of the World's Volunteerism Report, there are an estimated 862.4 million volunteers globally. Engaging in volunteerism offers individuals a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience, enhance their professional profiles, and develop valuable skills through impactful service. This is a joint press release from APO Group and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact: marie@ About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a Provoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple Provoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event. APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. About the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM): The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( was born out of the decision of the African Bishops during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) to establish a forum in which they could speak with one voice on matters pertaining to the Church in Africa. The establishment of SECAM is therefore the result of the Bishops' resolve to build a continental structure in order to bring forth the African vision to the whole Church. Seeing the importance of such an Association for Africa, the Congregation for the Evangelisation of the Peoples invited the Presidents of the Regional Episcopal Conferences for consultations in 1968. Consequently, the first visit of a Pope to Africa, in modern times, was seen as a very opportune occasion for the launch of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. This was therefore done during the visit of His Holiness Pope Paul VI in Kampala (Uganda) in July, 1969. Thereafter, it was agreed to establish the Headquarters / Secretariat of SECAM in Accra, Ghana. There are three official languages of SECAM, namely, English, French and Portuguese. SECAM functions through eight regional conferences, each made up of a cluster of national episcopal conferences.
Herald Malaysia
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
European, African bishops demand end to land grabs, exploitation
Catholic Church leaders have repeatedly urged fairer treatment of African populations in international investment deals May 23, 2025 Some of Southern Africa's Bishops attending an IMBISA meeting. (Photo: Vatican News) By Jonathan Luxmoore, OSV News Catholic bishops from Europe and Africa have issued a strong joint statement warning that Africa is once again becoming a "battleground for external interests" -- particularly over land, resources and Europe's climate agenda. "We have witnessed a profound shift in European priorities -- away from solidarity with the most fragile regions and communities, and from development cooperation aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, towards a more narrowly defined set of geopolitical and economic interests," the Brussels-based Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union, known as COMECE, said in a joint statement with the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, known as SECAM. "Africa is being asked to sacrifice its ecosystems and communities to help Europe meet its decarbonization goals -- whether through massive land deals for so-called 'green' energy projects, the expansion of carbon offset plantations, or the outsourcing of industrial agriculture's toxic inputs and waste. This is not partnership. This is not justice." The statement was issued ahead of the May 21 meeting of EU and African Union foreign ministers, called to review multilateral aims and achievements since a previous summit in February 2022. COMECE's spokesman, Alessandro Di Maio, told OSV News the bishops' statement had gained "positive reactions" from European Commission and Parliament officials, adding that COMECE and SECAM would continue "advocacy work" at upcoming EU-AU consultations on agriculture, food chain supplies, security and other issues. He said COMECE's five-member presidency, headed by Italian Bishop Mariano Crociata, would discuss related issues at a May 23 audience with Pope Leo XIV, and were confident the pontiff's missionary background would "serve him well in promoting fair and just relations with Africa." COMECE and SECAM bishops said they spoke with "a voice formed by the lived realities of people," and hoped leaders from both continents would "rise to the moment," and reestablish a partnership "that listens to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor." They added, however, that the EU's current Global Gateway project, which will release $169 billion of investment in Africa, appeared to be replicating "extractive patterns of the past" -- privileging "European corporate and strategic aims over the real needs and aspirations of African people." "Land, water, seeds and minerals -- the very foundations of life -- seem to be once again treated as commodities for foreign profit rather than as common goods stewarded with care," said the COMECE-SECAM statement. Leaders of the Catholic Church have repeatedly urged fairer treatment of African populations in international investment deals, in the face of worsening climate and environmental degradation. An EU communique said the foreign ministers' meeting, opening May 21, would celebrate the "enduring and unique partnership" between European and African governments, bearing the "voices, hopes and dreams of more than 1.9 billion people." However, the bishops said the meeting should reexamine "the very nature of the partnership," and protect local economic systems, which were "not backward or inefficient," but "resilient, rooted in tradition and adapted to local ecologies." Among recommendations, they said governments should end Africa's dependency on imported fertilizers and genetically modified seeds, adding that it was a "grave injustice" that hazardous pesticides banned in Europe were still being marketed to African farmers. They also urged investment in agroecology, which was "validated by science," and demanded decisive action to end land grabbing, which spurred "conflict and forced migration." The bishops said they were "particularly disturbed" by the growing use of African territory for Europe's "resource needs and climate ambitions," adding that it was "ethically untenable to demand that Africa become the dumping ground for Europe's green transition." "Africa does not need charity, nor to be a battleground for external interests. What it needs is justice. What it needs is a partnership grounded in mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and the centrality of human dignity," COMECE and SECAM said. COMECE's Di Maio said: "Not only does the Catholic Church have a strong African presence -- it is also an integral part of the continent, providing spiritual and social support to numerous communities." He told OSV News: "This position, rooted in grassroots engagement, enables the church to gain deep insight into the often challenging realities faced in the region. We hope European and African foreign ministers will have the foresight to take into account the input and contributions coming from the church."--
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Joint Statement of Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ahead of the AU – EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 21 May 2025
As shepherds of the Catholic Church in Africa and in Europe, we, the bishops of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( and of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), speak today with a voice formed by the lived realities of our people – farmers, fisherfolk, pastoralists, women and youth – whose lives are shaped by the land, and whose hope depends on justice, peace, and dignity. We welcome the convening of the joint African Union–European Union Foreign Ministers' Meeting as an opportunity to examine not only shared ambitions but the very nature of our partnership. As SECAM and COMECE have already stated five years ago, ' we are firmly convinced that Africa and Europe could become the engines for a reinvigoration of multilateral cooperation by reinforcing their longstanding ties marked by our common roots and geographical proximity […] towards an equitable and responsible partnership that puts the people at its centre '. We are, however, deeply concerned about certain developments in this partnership over recent years. We have witnessed a profound shift in European priorities – away from solidarity with the most fragile regions and communities, and from development cooperation aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, towards a more narrowly defined set of geopolitical and economic interests. Notwithstanding the commendable intention behind some projects promoting human development at the grassroots, certain initiatives supported under the EU's Global Gateway - while presented as mutually beneficial - too often seem to replicate extractive patterns of the past: privileging European corporate and strategic aims over the real needs and aspirations of African people. Land, water, seeds, and minerals – the very foundations of life – seem to be once again treated as commodities for foreign profit rather than as common goods to be stewarded with care. Africa is being asked to sacrifice its ecosystems and communities to help Europe meet its decarbonisation goals – whether through massive land deals for so-called 'green' energy projects, the expansion of carbon offset plantations, or the outsourcing of industrial agriculture's toxic inputs and waste. This is not partnership. This is not justice. 'The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor' (Laudato Si', §2) The Catholic Church, inspired by late Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', shares the understanding that we must hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. These cries are loud and clear across Africa. Climate change is wreaking havoc on those who depend on the land, even as our continent has contributed least to the crisis. Soil degradation, poisoned water, and the loss of biodiversity are destroying the foundation of rural life. Hunger in Africa is growing, not because we lack food, but because we have allowed systems to dominate that put profit above people and that treat agriculture as an industrial process, not a way of life. We urge the ministers gathered in Brussels to place the dignity of African peoples at the heart of the AU-EU partnership. This means supporting a transformation of agriculture that breaks free from dependency on imported fertilisers, chemical inputs, and genetically modified seeds. It means protecting and promoting farmer-managed seed systems, which are the repositories of Africa's agricultural biodiversity and the key to food sovereignty. These systems are not backward or inefficient – they are resilient, rooted in tradition, and adapted to local ecologies. Criminalising farmers for saving seeds or imposing rigid intellectual property regimes aligned with UPOV or corporate agendas violates both their rights and the planet's needs. We call for an immediate ban on the export and use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Africa. It is a grave injustice that chemicals banned in Europe for their risks to health and ecosystems are still manufactured there and marketed to African farmers. This double standard must end. Instead, we must invest in agroecology – a science, a practice, and a social movement that nourishes the land, respects cultural traditions, and empowers women and youth. Agroecology offers a truly African path to climate adaptation and rural regeneration. It is rooted in the wisdom of our communities and validated by science. It is our future. Moreover, we remind our political leaders that land is sacred. For most Africans, land is not merely a factor of production or a tradable asset. It is a gift from God, entrusted to us by our ancestors and held in common for future generations. Large-scale land acquisitions by foreign investors or development finance institutions, carried out without free, prior, and informed consent, are an affront to this sacred trust. They displace communities, erode customary rights, and contribute to conflict and forced migration. Ministers must act decisively to end land grabbing and ensure legal protection for communal and customary tenure systems. We are particularly disturbed by growing use of African territory as a site for Europe's resource needs and climate ambitions. Decarbonisation must not come at the cost of African ecosystems or the rights of African communities. It is ethically untenable to demand that Africa become the dumping ground for Europe's 'green transition' – whether through extractive mining for critical minerals or vast land projects that reduce our continent to a carbon sink. Let us be clear: Africa does not need charity, nor does it need to be a battleground for external interests. What it needs is justice. What it needs is a partnership grounded in mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and the centrality of human dignity. We believe such a partnership is possible – but only if the structures and priorities of AU-EU cooperation are fundamentally reoriented towards these objectives. We therefore urge ministers to listen more closely to African civil society, Indigenous peoples, and faith communities – not as token participants, but as equal co-creators of policy. Real dialogue means making space for the voices of those who live on and with the land. We conclude by echoing the spirit of Laudato Si', which calls for an 'integral ecology' – one that recognises the profound interconnection between people, planet, and purpose. We pray that this meeting may mark a turning point – not only in diplomatic relations but in the moral and spiritual compass guiding our shared future. Africa needs a transformation rooted in the Gospel values of care for creation, solidarity with the poor, and the pursuit of peace. As Laudato Si' teaches us, 'everything is interconnected' (§117) – and so our response must be holistic and courageous. We invite the AU and EU Foreign Ministers to rise to this moment. Let this be the partnership that listens to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor. Let this be the moment when Africa's future is shaped not by external interests, but by the aspirations of its people – especially those who till the land, feed the nation, and protect the environment. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Media Contact: Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) 19 Square de Meeûs | 1050 Brussels (BELGIUM) Tel. +32 2 235 05 10 Website: Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) 4 Senchi Street | P.O. Box KA 9156 Airport | Accra (GHANA) Tel: +233 (302) 778867/8 Website :
