The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) is set to hold its 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 30 to August 4, 2025.
Under the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace,” this triennial event will gather approximately 250 bishops, cardinals, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from 54 African countries and islands, alongside international guests. Their primary objective is to define a strategic roadmap for the African Catholic Church for the next 25 years (2025-2050). Chaired by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, the assembly promises to be a powerful moment of reflection and communion, addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the Church across the continent. The assembly will also assess progress made since the last meeting in Accra in 2022, particularly in areas like synodality, institutional autonomy, theology, and interregional collaboration, according to a statement sent to APA.
Key discussions will include the pastoral care of Catholics in polygamous unions, a complex issue unique to African cultural contexts, with support from theological experts. SECAM will also focus on promoting social justice, defending human rights, peace, environmental protection, and combating climate change. The agenda features the presentation of several strategic documents, notably the draft “Vision of the Church-Family of God in Africa and its Islands: 2025-2050.” This vision is built upon twelve fundamental pillars, ranging from evangelization to political engagement, encompassing ecclesial renewal, Catholic education, health, and ecumenism. These guidelines aim to bolster the Church’s role as a vital spiritual, social, and moral force in fostering a prosperous and peaceful future for Africa.
In addressing contemporary challenges, the Assembly will also examine the continent’s pressing sociopolitical issues, including governance, poverty, interreligious dialogue, and the protection and empowerment of African youth.
Established in 1969 during Pope Paul VI’s historic visit to Africa, SECAM serves as the central coordinating body for African bishops’ conferences. It is dedicated to promoting ecclesial communion, evangelization, and advocating on major continental issues, maintaining an active liaison office with the African Union in Addis Ababa.
The 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali is poised to be a significant turning point, offering renewed hope and a robust vision for the African Catholic Church at a time when the continent stands at the heart of global transformations.
TE/Sf/fss/abj/APA