“In this New Year 2021, therefore, let each one of us commit himself/herself to true brotherhood/sisterhood, fraternity, solidarity, and care for one another everywhere on the continent and Islands; after all these are values common in every African traditional society,” the Catholic Bishops the world’s second largest continent say in their message obtained by ACI Africa.
Making reference to Pope Francis' most recent Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, they say, “The global health emergency experienced during the Year 2020 has demonstrated that ‘no one can face life in isolation’ and that the time has truly come to dream 'as a single human family’ in which we are all 'brothers and sisters.'”
Still referencing the Holy Father’s October 3 Encyclical Letter, the Bishops further note that a better kind of politics “is a valuable form of charity and at the service of the common good, it recognizes the importance of people and protects jobs.”
Committing themselves to a "better kind of politics," the Bishops reiteratate, political leaders in Africa can help achieve peace and development on the continent.
Fostering the Holy Father’s message, the members of SECAM call on political leaders in Africa “to build better health systems and infrastructure, including the introduction of insurance health care coverage for all the people; and to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines to be used in Africa and the Islands are safe and effective.”
They also remind the politicians of Pope Francis’ Address on the 52nd World Day of Peace, in which he declared: “Blessed be the politician who works for the common good and not his or her own interest'.”
They further remind the political class of the Holy Father’s 54th World Day of Peace Message, in which he proposed to Heads of State and Government, leaders of International Organizations, spiritual leaders and followers of the different religions, and all men and women of goodwill to focus on "A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace."
“We reiterate our call on all perpetrators of violent conflicts and terrorist attacks everywhere on the continent and beyond to lay down their arms and seek to resolve all conflicts through mutual dialogue,” the Bishops say and declare, “The Year 2021 should be one of peace.”
To the people God in Africa, the members of the Ghana-based Symposium urge, “Let us heed the exhortation of the book of Proverbs not to ‘put any faith in our own perception but trust wholeheartedly in the Lord our God; in every course we take in 2021; let us keep in mind that he will see that our paths are smooth.'”
“May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and the Queen of Africa, whose Solemnity Catholic Christians celebrate on the first day of the New Year, ensure maternal protection for her children in Africa, the Islands and everywhere,” the Catholic Bishops in Africa implore in their New Year message.
