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New Head of Laity Council in Senegal to Foster Participation in Decision-making Processes

The newly elected President of the National Laity Council (CNL) in Senegal, Philippe Abraham Birane Tine/ Credit: National Laity Council (CNL)/Facebook

The newly elected President of the National Laity Council (CNL) in Senegal has resolved to foster the formation of the lay faithful to enable them participate in the decision-making processes of the Church in the West African nation.

“I wish to devote my mandate to strengthening the formation of the lay faithful, to encourage a greater presence of the laity in the spheres of decision-making and to continue to participate, through constructive dialogue, in the consolidation of our democracy,” Philippe Abraham Birane Tine told journalists Wednesday, June 30 at a press conference.

Mr. Tine added, “Members of the laity constitute the backbone of the Church and I will want our members to collaborate with the Bishops for the growth of the Church and our nation.”

CNL in Senegal is an umbrella body for all Catholic Action associations and movements. It was set up by the Catholic Bishops in Senegal in April 2008.

Mr. Tine alongside 44 members of CNL’s Steering Committee were elected during the fourth General Assembly of the Catholic entity held at the Sacred Heart Parish of Senegal’s Dakar Archdiocese on 26 June 2021.

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Organized under the theme, “Saint Joseph, Model of commitment for a responsible laity,” the general assembly had participants examine the various reports of the outgoing Executive Board.

During their deliberations, they launched an appeal for ecclesial and civic commitment in all its forms and also called for quality participation in economic development, social stability, and harmonious living in the West African nation.

Addressing journalists at the June 30 press conference, Mr. Tine said, “I thank the General Assembly of CNL for the trust it has placed in me. I am aware of the many challenges that the laity in Senegal must face. I believe in the action of providence in the mission entrusted to the disciples and apostles of Christ.”

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“By placing our mandate under the benevolent gaze of Saint Joseph, I am sure that he will know how to intercede for us for a Salt and Light Laity in our dear Senegal,” CNL’s new President added.

The 42-year-old leader of the Laity is a teacher-researcher at the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar with the rank of Senior Lecturer in Greek.

He holds a doctorate in Classics and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management. He is married with three children.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.