Catholic Bishops in Africa, Europe Propose “a healthy Priest exchange program”

“In this shared journey of faith, we recognize ourselves as learners, with both clergy and laity walking together in proclaiming Christ to the world,” the further say in their two-page statement that CCEE and SECAM Presidents, Archbishop Gintaras Grušas and  Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, respectively, signed.

On the place of the youth in the Church on the two continents, they say, “In our collective journey, we endeavor to be particularly attentive to the voices and contributions of our young people in a world of increased digitalization.” 

The SECAM and CCEE representatives recognize with appreciation young people’s “unique perspectives and energy”, and “affirm the need for their active involvement in the life and mission of the Church.”

“By listening attentively to their experiences and insights, whilst guiding them in the faith, we commit to a deeper understanding and response to their needs,” they say.

In a SECAM statement ahead of the four-day seminar that was held at the Mariapolis Retreat Centre, Juja, in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, the leadership of the Catholic Bishops in Africa had said that their meeting was to place “a special focus” on youths in Africa and Europe.

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Organized under the theme, "Synodality: Africa and Europe Walking Together", the January 23-26 seminar was also to seek insights into “the emerging Synodal Church” in the context of the March 2022 Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia and its service to the Church in the world, Praedicate Evangelium. 

In their January 25 statement, SECAM and CCEE representatives “acknowledge the profound significance of the transformation of the Roman Curia and the entire Church as outlined in the Apostolic Constitution ‘Praedicate Evangelium.’”

They say that the transformative reform “seeks to align the Church with the challenges of the 21st century.”

“This instrument of the Holy Fathers’ apostolate emphasizes a missionary conversion, fostering an ecclesiology of communion, and notably, incorporates the participation of the lay people, especially women, in Church governance,” CCEE and SECAM representatives say. 

The transformation of the Roman Curia, they further say, “advocates for decentralization, enhanced collaboration with bishops, and addresses the diverse cultural and pastoral needs, especially pertinent to Africa.”

“This paradigm shift marks a new era for the Curia, focusing on service and embodying the vision of a synodal Church, rooted in communion, participation, and mission,” SECAM and CCEE representatives explain in their collective statement shared with ACI Africa January 29. 

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