Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – In the 18th General Congregation, held on October 23, the Synodal Fathers approved the Message for the conclusion of the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. The text issued, in a non-definitive version, is divided into 7 parts, plus the introduction and conclusion. The following is a synthesis presented by Fides.
Missionaries of Africa and for Africa, the Holy Childhood Association
“The Church in Africa thanks God for many of her sons and daughters who are missionaries on other continents. In this holy exchange of gifts, it is important that all the stakeholders continue to work for a transparent, fair, dignified and Christian relationship. (no. 12) This Synod feels the duty to express deep appreciation to the many missionaries, clergy, religious and lay faithful, from other continents who have brought the faith to most of the countries of Africa, many of whom are still working there with zeal and heroic dedication. Special thanks go to those who have remained with their people even in times of war and grave crisis. Some have even paid for their fidelity with their very lives. (no. 13)
“ The Synod has not forgotten you our dear little children. You are always the object of our care and attention. But we also acknowledge and are anxious to positively use your enthusiasm and effectiveness as active agents of evangelization, especially among your peers. You shall be given adequate space, facilities and direction to organize yourselves for the apostolate. We recommend to you especially the Pontifical Mission Societies organization for children: the Holy Childhood Association.” (no. 28)
Lots of good news, although mass media highlights negative
In the Introduction of the Message, they give thanks to God for the convocation of the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. Citing the words of Benedict XVI, who affirmed that the Synod “is not primarily a study session. Rather, it is God’s initiative, calling us to listen,” the Synod Fathers ask the entire Church in Africa and to all those God wants, to listen to their Message.
In the first part, entitled “Looking at Africa Today,” they highlight that Africa “rich in human and natural resources, many of our people are still left to wallow in poverty and misery, wars and conflicts, crisis and chaos,” and all this is “largely due to human decisions and activities by people who have no regard for the common good and this often through a tragic complicity and criminal conspiracy of local leaders and foreign interests.” And yet, Africa is encouraged to “not despair,” in that “there is much good news in many parts of Africa,” although the modern mass media “often tend to emphasize bad news and thus seem to focus more on our woes and defects than on the positive efforts that we are making.”
Everything in the light of faith
“Our office as bishops obliges us to consider everything in the light of faith,” the text continues in the second part, recalling that “the initiative for all reconciliation and peace comes from God.” The Apostle Paul affirms that God is “entrusting to us the message of reconciliation,” and therefore, “the Church in Africa, both as family of God and as individual faithful has the duty to be instruments of peace and reconciliation, after the heart of Christ...And it shall be able to do this to the extent that she is herself reconciled to God.” The Synod Fathers, thus, invite “all to allow themselves to be reconciled to God” as this will open “the way to genuine reconciliation among persons. It is this that can break the vicious circle of offence, revenge and counter attack. In all this, the virtue of pardon is crucial, even before any admission of guilt...True pardon promotes the justice of repentance and reparation, leading to a peace that goes to the roots of conflict, making friends, brothers and sisters out of former victims and enemies.”
Africa in the universal context
In the third part, dedicated to “The World-Church,” they thank the Holy Father “for walking with Africa in her struggles and defending her cause with the full weight of his enormous, moral authority.” Thus, they gratefully note the numerous initiatives of the Holy See “for the development and good of Africa” and “the great services which the pontifical representatives.” The “special historic link between Europe and Africa” should be reinforced and studied, and it is with great joy that they witness “emergent fraternal rapport between the Church in Africa and the Church in the Americas.” Many sons and daughters of Africa have sought refuge in other continents. “Many of them are doing well, contributing validly to the life of their new resident countries. Others are just struggling to survive. We recommend them all to the adequate pastoral care of the Church-Family of God, wherever they are.”
Continue vigorously to proclaim the Gospel to the people of Africa
The fourth part, the largest of all the parts, is dedicated to the Church in Africa, and recalls “with just pride that Christianity has been in Africa since its very beginning” and “this ancient Church has enriched the universal Church with prestigious theological, spiritual and liturgical traditions, illustrious saints and martyrs.” The Churches of Egypt and Ethiopia which have survived numerous trials and persecutions, deserve high regard, and closer collaboration with the much younger Churches in the rest of the continent...The Church in these places, and other places made up mainly of foreigners, counts on the solidarity of the Sister-Churches of Africa to send Fidei Donum priests and other missionaries.”
“We are convinced that the first and most specific contribution of the Church to the people of Africa is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. We are therefore committed to pursuing vigorously the proclamation of the Gospel to the people of Africa.”
“Many of the problems of and pressures on Africa are found also in Asia and Latin America. We believe that we have a lot to gain by not only comparing notes but also joining hands.”
“There is every reason to believe that the calls made by many Synod Fathers for greater commitment to SECAM have not fallen on deaf ears...The Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM), is gradually growing into an effective instrument of promoting on the continental level organic pastoral solidarity in the life and apostolate of the religious in Africa.”
“The unity of the episcopacy is a source of great strength, while its absence wastes energies, frustrates efforts and gives room for the enemies of the Church to neutralise our witness. An important area where such national cooperation and cohesion is very useful is in the media and social communications. Since EIA was published, there has been a veritable explosion of Catholic radio stations in Africa, from only about 15 in 1994 to over 163 today in 32 nations. We commend those nations which have encouraged this development. We call on those nations which still have reservations in this regard to review their policies, for the good of their nations and people.”
“We should continue to work hard on forming consciences and changing hearts, through effective catechesis at all levels...We need to put in place an on-going formation programme for all our faithful, especially those in high positions of authority. Our dioceses must be models of good governance, transparency and good financial management. We have to continue to do our best to tackle poverty, which is a major obstacle to peace and reconciliation.”
“In this Year for Priests, dear brothers in the priesthood, we address you in particular, who occupy a key position in the apostolate of the diocese. You represent the face of the clergy most visible to the people, both within and outside the Church. Your example of living together in peace across tribal and racial lines can be a powerful witness to others...Many of you have left Africa to offer your missionary services in other continents. When you work in full respect of good order, you project a good image of Africa. The Synod commends your commitment to the missionary task of the Church.”
“Dear consecrated men and women...The Synod exhorts you to give maximum effectiveness to your apostolate through loyal and committed communion with the local hierarchy. In particular, the Synod congratulates you, women religious, for your dedication and zeal in your apostolate of health, education and other areas of human development.”
“This Synod turns with deep affection to the lay faithful of Africa. You are the Church of God out in the market places of society...You therefore share in the mandate of the Church to be "ambassadors for Christ" working for reconciliation of people to God and among themselves. This requires of you to allow your Christian faith to permeate every aspect and facet of your lives...Beyond prayer, you must also arm yourself with sufficient knowledge of the Christian faith to be able to "give a proof of the hope that you bear" (1 Pet 3:15) in the market places of ideas. Those higher up among you have the duty to acquire a commensurate level of religious culture.”
“Africa needs saints in high political office: saintly politicians who will clean the continent of corruption, work for the good of the people, and know how to galvanize other men and women of good will from outside the Church to join hands against the common evils that beset our nations.”
“We now turn our attention to our dear Catholic families of Africa. We congratulate you for doggedly remaining true to the ideals of the Christian family and retaining the best values of our African family. We alert you to be on your guard against some virulent ideological poisons from abroad, claiming to be "modern" culture.”
“The Synod has a special word for you, our Catholic women. You are often the backbone of the local Church...The specific contribution of women, not only in the home as wife and mother but also in the social sphere should be more generally acknowledged and promoted. The Synod recommends to our local Churches to...put in place concrete structures to ensure real participation of women "at appropriate levels"...We charge you, our Catholic women to be fully involved in the women’s programmes of your nations, with your eyes of faith wide open. Armed with good information and the social teachings of the Church, you should make sure that the good ideas are not high jacked by the peddlers of foreign and morally poisonous ideologies about gender and human sexuality.”
“Similarly, the Synod calls on you, our Catholic men, to play your important roles as responsible fathers and good and faithful husbands... Make sure that you organize yourselves into associations and Catholic Action Groups that would enable you to improve the quality of Christian life and commitment to the Church.”
“Finally, we address you, our sons and daughters, the youth in our communities. You are not just the future of the Church: you are with us already in big numbers. In many countries of Africa, over 60% of the population are under 25. The ratio in the Church would not be much different. You should be in the forefront of positive social change...We urge all the local Churches to consider the apostolate to the youth a high priority.”
Treat Africa with respect and dignity
The fifth part of the Message is an appeal made to the international community. The Synod praises the positive work of the UN entities, but also asks them to “be more consistent and transparent in implementing their programmes...In particular, the Synod denounces all surreptitious attempts to destroy and undermine the precious African values of family and human life.”
“The Church is second to none in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the care of people infected and affected by it in Africa...This Synod, with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, seriously warns that the problem cannot be overcome by the distribution of prophylactics. We appeal to all who are genuinely interested in arresting the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS to recognise the success already obtained by programs that propose abstinence among those not yet married, and fidelity among the married.” “To the great powers of this world, we plead: treat Africa with respect and dignity. Africa has been calling for a change in the world economic order, with unjust structures piled heavily against her...But it would be a tragedy if adjustments are made only in the interest of the rich and again at the expense of the poor.”
Africa, rise up!
In spite of “a long history of great empires and illustrious civilizations,” in the international ratings of material and development indices, the countries of Africa are often at the bottom of the table...There have been gross acts of historic injustices, like slave trade and colonialism, whose negative consequence still lingers on...Much is actually happening. We commend the efforts to liberate Africa from cultural alienation and political bondage. Now Africa must face the challenge of giving her children a dignified level of living conditions.”
On the political level, there is progress in continental integration, as the Organization for African Unity (OAU) developed into an African Union (AU), paving the way towards a strategic framework for development called NEPAD, New Economic Partnership for African Development. She has even made provisions for an APRM (African Peer Review Mechanism) to monitor and measure the compliance of nations. “ The Synod commends these efforts, because these programmes clearly link economic emancipation of Africa with the installation of good governance. Here, unfortunately, is the sticking point. For most African nations the beautiful documents of NEPAD are still a dead letter.”
“The Synod happily congratulates the few countries in Africa which have started on the route of genuine democracy...We hope that their good example will challenge others to change bad habits.” Among the situations that cause particular sadness, the Message mentions Somalia, the Great Lakes Region, the crisis in northern Uganda, in South Sudan, in Darfur, in Guinea Conakry, and in other places. “In most cases, we are dealing with greed for power and wealth at the expense of the people and nation...The negative consequence of all this is there before the whole world: poverty, misery and disease; refugees within and outside the country and overseas, the search for greener pastures which leads to brain drain, clandestine migration and human trafficking, wars and blood shed, often by proxy, the atrocity of child soldiers and unspeakable violence against women.”
Joining spiritual forces
“In its determination to preserve our spiritual patrimony, against all attacks and infections, the Synod calls for ever greater ecumenical collaboration with our brothers and sisters of other Christian traditions. We also look forward to more dialogue and cooperation with Muslims, the adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR) and people of other faiths.”
“Religious fanaticism is spreading all over the world. It is causing havoc in many parts of Africa...The Synod heard the testimony of many Synod Fathers who have successfully walked the road of dialogue with Muslims. They have given witness to the fact that dialogue works and collaboration is possible and often effective...Working on the many shared values between the two faiths, Christians and Muslims can contribute greatly towards restoring peace and reconciliation in our nations.”
“Freedom of religion includes also freedom to share one’s faith, to propose, not impose it, to accept and welcome converts. Those nations which by law forbid their citizens from embracing the Christian faith are depriving their own citizens of their fundamental human right to freely decide on the creed to embrace. Although this has been going on for a long time, it is time to revisit the situation in the light of respect for fundamental human rights.”
Africa is not helpless. Our destiny is still in our hands.
In the conclusion of the Message, addressing all the members of the Church, Family of God in Africa, the strong conviction of the Synod is reiterated: “Africa is not helpless. Our destiny is still in our hands. All she is asking for is the space to breathe and thrive. Africa is already moving; and the Church is moving with her, offering her the light of the Gospel. The waters may be turbulent. But with our gaze on Christ the Lord (cf. Mt 14:28-32), we shall make it safely to the port of reconciliation, justice and peace. Africa, rise up, take up you pallet, and walk! (Jn 5:8).” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2009)
