2009 Africa Synod
Outreach Based on Need not Creed
Posted October 16, 2009
By Rocco Puopolo s.x., Executive Director
Bishop George Biguzzi of the Diocese of Makeni, Sierra Leone, was recently invited to Washington to make a presentation on migration in West Africa to the United States Catholics Conference of Bishops (USCCB) Migration and Refugees Services Department. As one of the West African bishop delegates to the African Synod in October, one of the issues Bishop George brings to the Synod is that of migration and refugees, a justice issue largely absent from the preparatory documentation for this event. Bishop George has been the bishop of Makeni, one of three dioceses in Sierra Leone, since 1987. Bishop George is also the president of the local Bishops Conference, which includes the Gambia.
The Changing Face of Mission in Africa
By Rocco Puopolo, S.X., Executive Director
Posted on October 9, 2009
As you read this very newsletter, a number of Bishops from Africa and around the world are meeting in Rome for the Second Special Assembly for Africa, commonly called the African Synod. The theme for this synod is The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace: “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world”. How true. Look how far we have all come. This synod gives us pause to take a look back to see the progress, development, growth and mission of the Church in Africa as we join those on the continent, in Rome and beyond in celebration of this ecclesial event. There are both blessings and challenges that mark this growth. I hope in this sharing to surface those that come to my mind and tease your reflections that may lead to further sharing.
Yes Africa Matters Website Launched!
Catholic Task Force on Africa announces the new website www.yesafricamatters.org. The Task Force uses the occasion of the Second Special Assembly for Africa, popularly known as the Second African Synod of Bishops, to offer this website. The Synod took place in Rome from October 4th to 25th in Rome. The theme of the Synod was “The Church in Africa in service to reconciliation, justice, and peace: You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world."
Toward the 2009 Africa Synod: An Interview with Fr. Pius Rutechura
Posted on August 25, 2009
AFJN recently facilitated Fr. Pius Rutechura’s visit to Washington, DC. He is the secretary general of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) which extends from Sudan to Zambia, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Fr. Rocco was able to interview him regarding the upcoming African Synod to be held in Rome from October 5th to 25th.
Preparation for this Synod has been ongoing for the past three years. What has interested the churches on the grassroots level the most with the theme of this Synod focused on Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace?
Following from the first African Synod, we wished to review the concept of the Church as Family of God and Diaconia (Service to others) being entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, justice, and peace. There is the awareness of being sent forth to bring about justice and peace as part of proclaiming the kingdom of God. It is a very timely topic due to the many conflicts that are happening in Africa. It can be a real challenge for the Church to become this instrument of reconciliation, peace, and justice for the people of Africa.
Read more: Toward the 2009 Africa Synod: An Interview with Fr. Pius Rutechura
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