Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service)- - Three days of wide-ranging, intense reflection on the theme ‘Communion and Solidarity between Africa and Europe’ are about to begin at the first symposium organised by the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) and the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) with the patronage of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and collaboration from various aid agencies.
From Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 November 2004 about 150 bishops and representatives of international bodies, delegates from about 62 countries from the two continents will be guests of the Salesianum. There will also be representatives from 7 Vatican departments, and delegates from church bodies from the continents of Asia, Latin and North America.
In the wake of the signing of the European Union Constitution Treaty and while the new Commission is being put together the European Bishops hope that the building of the new Europe will be an experience of communion and solidarity where there will be no room for xenophobia, marginalisation and hopelessness. Echoing the words of the Holy Father in his Post-Synodal Exhortation Ecclesia in Europa in which he called on Christians in Europe to witness to the Gospel - the “source of hope” which the continent needs (cf. EE, 84-85) - with vitality and consistency, the Bishops perceive the path for a future centred on peace, respect for human rights, integral development and dialogue between cultures and religions.
From the other side of the Mediterranean, the African Bishops are concerned by a situation where almost half the population live below the poverty threshold and more than 140 million people live on incomes that do not allow them to respond constantly to the needs of their own families. Every day thousands of young Africans in despair try to enter Europe, risking their lives. The brain drain of the promises of the young continent shows no sign of abating; conflict situations impede lasting development. Even the Governments of the African Union fear a low rate of economic growth which could prevent Africa achieving the Millennial Objectives (Source: African Union).
Despite the variety of situations in the two continents, organisers hope the Symposium will be an opportunity for Bishops to deepen their mutual responsibility and the exchange of gifts between the Churches of the two continents. A new element to the meeting would lie precisely in giving and receiving on both sides. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/11/2004 righe 34 parole 406)
