The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) officially opened its historic 20th Plenary Assembly on July 30, 2025 and runs until August 4, in Kigali, Rwanda, gathering over 250 delegates from across the continent.
The assembly focuses on the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace: The Vision of the Church-Family of God in Africa for the Next 25 Years (2025-2050).” It brought together church leaders and stakeholders from across Africa and the Islands.
In his opening remarks, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, praised Rwanda's exceptional hospitality and highlighted the symbolic nature of hosting the assembly in a nation renowned for its journey of healing and reconciliation. Cardinal Ambongo stated, “In a world fractured by war, poverty, forced displacement, and ecological crises, we turn our eyes to Christ, the living source of healing and renewal. This is a pastoral urgency.”
Commending Rwanda’s transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Cardinal Ambongo remarked on the assembly's significance, declaring, “Our presence here reflects our solidarity with a nation that has turned tragedy into testimony. The wounds of history can become sources of grace when touched by Christ.”
Rwanda's Prime Minister, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who represented President Paul Kagame as Guest of Honour, reinforced the assembly’s themes of hope and reconciliation. He remarked, “Your gathering here is a sign of solidarity and a powerful message of shared commitment to the values of hope, reconciliation, and peace.” Dr. Nsengiyumva highlighted the collaborative efforts between the government and faith-based organizations, particularly the Catholic Church, in promoting social cohesion and development.
On Thursday, July 31, Cardinal Michael Czerny S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, joined the assembly, recalling his earlier service in Africa. He expressed his delight in returning to the continent and spoke about the Church’s mission to address the comprehensive needs of communities.
“The Dicastery’s work reflects Christ’s mission, who came that all may have life and have it abundantly,” he said. Cardinal Czerny emphasized the Church’s commitment to addressing global issues, including human rights violations, economic injustice, and environmental degradation.
He referenced the 2017 establishment of the Dicastery and its engagement in promoting integral human development, stating, “We focus on the specific obstacles in each diocese to people's development.” Highlighting the need for active response to issues such as artificial intelligence and its ethical implications, he mentioned Pope Leo XIV’s call for a nuanced conversation aligning with the Church’s mission of promoting human dignity.
In his address, Cardinal Czerny underscored the interconnectedness of communities within the Church, citing the Kampala document: “The Church is a Family of interconnected persons. Love, acceptance, forgiveness, commitment, and intimacy constitute its very fabric,” he stated. He called for reflection on the major obstacles to integral human development and suggested collaborative pastoral actions to accompany communities in overcoming these challenges.
José Moko Ekanga, PSS, the Bishop of Idiofa and President of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACEAC), also addressed the assembly on Friday, August 1, expressing gratitude for Rwanda’s hospitality and emphasizing the assembly's role in fostering unity amidst the region's political challenges.
He reflected on SECAM’s founding moments during Pope Paul VI’s visit to Uganda in 1969 and reiterated the importance of a collective approach to addressing the continent's pressing issues, stating, “It is time for SECAM to engage the new challenges facing our African countries and Churches today.”
The assembly's agenda includes the election of new SECAM leadership and the review of key documents outlining the vision and priorities for the Church in Africa over the next quarter-century. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, SECAM Secretary-General, noted that due to financial constraints, the assembly will present a combined report summarizing the activities of all SECAM departments over the past three years.
A report presented by the bishops highlighted key achievements since 2022, including the successful transition following Cardinal Richard Baawobr's passing and effective communication within the SECAM structure. They emphasized the Church's commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability through initiatives led by the Commission for Justice, Peace, and Development.
However, challenges persist, particularly financial instability stemming from reductions in diocesan contributions. This has increased reliance on foreign partners, limiting the organization’s capacity to initiate vital activities.
The assembly culminates with a celebration of Holy Mass at the Shrine of Kibeho, where attendees will pray for peace and reconciliation across Africa. With a strong emphasis on the communal role of the Church as the Family of God, SECAM is poised to address the myriad challenges facing the continent, fostering a united front in the pursuit of hope, reconciliation, and a brighter future for all Africans.
As SECAM continues its meetings in Kigali, all eyes are on the deliberations and outcomes that aim to shape the Church’s trajectory for the next 25 years, aligning spiritual priorities with societal needs.
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