Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service)- “Our meeting allowed us to gain a new appreciation of our histories and our mutual relationships, founded upon truthfulness and benevolence, recognising the gifts received on both sides. We share a common heritage and vision of humankind that reveals the face of Christ”, the Catholic Bishops of Africa and Europe affirm in a Message after a Symposium in Rome promoted jointly by the Council of Bishops Conferences of Europe CCEE, and the Symposium of Bishops’ Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) under the patronage of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples in collaboration with organisations for solidarity which closed on 13 November (see Fides 11 and 13 November 2004). “It would be no exaggeration to say that this is an historic gathering. This represents the first time that the African and European Bishops’ Conferences have organised such a meeting. This assembly also represents a prophetic sign whereby the Lord opens hearts and awakens consciences, inspired by a profound and reciprocal willingness to give and receive between the bishops of Africa and Europe. We must now look for the best ways of continuing together the work already begun: the Bishops will set up think-tanks to carry it forward together” the Bishops write.
Addressing Catholics on both continents the Bishops affirm “and to you, men and women of good will. This message conveys our findings and convictions; it commits us to intensifying our collaboration in the future, and to uniting our efforts in support of one other in the task awaiting us”.
The Bishops express their conviction that it is necessary to be a Church which lives communion and solidarity between Africa and Europe, is present in the heart of the World, carries hope, living proclamation and dialogue and is attentive to the promotion of values and to building a common future. The Bishops appeal to the African Union and the European Union to set themselves “the target of eradicating the tragedy of hunger during the next decade. We also remind the rich countries of their undertaking to devote 0.7% of their GNP to public development aid. Five countries have already achieved this - so it is possible. It is more than a question of charity, it is a question of keeping one’s word and of justice. Charity presupposes justice”.
On the ecclesial level the Bishops say: “We give thanks for the exchange of personnel, priests, members of religious orders and lay people doing mission work on our two continents... We encourage the laity on the two continents, especially the young, to give witness to their faith and an account of their hope, and to promote concrete gestures of sharing and solidarity within a balanced partnership. In this way they will respond to the pastoral needs of the mission of the Church and to the urgent call for integral human development”. They underline the value of interreligious dialogue and reciprocal respect among believers of different religions. “On our two continents we are called to dialogue with other religions in different contexts, and particularly with Islam,. We must reconcile the necessary respect owed to religious freedom with esteem for others, and, in the spirit of cooperation to which Vatican II (Nostra Aetate 3) invites us, gently but clearly affirm our faith in Christ and our Christian tradition. This dialogue ought to give the right to reciprocity”.
The Bishops conclude the Message with a prayer to Mary: “Our earth groans under its burdens and is waiting. The faithful God has put his hope in us. Christ walks with us. The Spirit gives us strength. May Mary, Mother of the Church, acclaimed in song in all our languages, accompany us on the road of communion and solidarity between Africa and Europe!”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/11/2004 righe 46 parole 595)
