The Chairman of AMECEA H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel led the AMECEA delegation to the 17th Plenary Assembly to the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) that is on-going in Luanda, Angola.
Cardinal Berhaneyesus who is also the Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is accompanied by his Vice Chairman, Most Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa, Archbishop of Blantyre, Malawi and Secretary General of AMECEA Rev. Fr Ferdinand Lugonzo to the meeting which started on 18 July 2016.
Other delegates from AMECEA member Conferences include the Bishops and Secretaries General.
The theme of the Plenary is “Family life in Africa yesterday, today and tomorrow: in the light of the Gospel.
Reports from Angola states that the Vice President of Angola, Ing. Manuel Vicente, who was present at the opening of the meeting, called for a closer collaboration and cooperation between the Church and State for the building of a more just and morally upright society.
According to the Press Release from the Communications Office of SECAM on the 17th Plenary Assembly, the Vice-President stressed the need for the two bodies to condemn violence, the abuse of children, immorality and other vices in society and the family.
About 150 participants comprising of Cardinals; Bishops; Secretaries General of National and Regional Episcopal Conferences in Africa; Resource Persons; representatives of Partner Agencies and other Continental Episcopal Conferences are attending the Assembly.
The Press release from the communication office further reported that, the Assembly that will be ending on the 25 July is expected to conclude with the adoption of Resolutions, recommendations, a final message and a Communiqué.
By Sr. Immaculate Tusingwire, MMS,
AMECEA Online News