AFRICA/BENIN - Meeting in preparation of the Synod on the Family: "Let us be guided by the Gospel and by traditional African values"

Cotonou (Agenzia Fides) - "The joys and the sufferings of the families of today concern the Church so much that Pope Francis has convened in October 2014, and in 2015 a Synod of the universal Church on the pastoral challenges of the family. In preparation of the Synod a delegation of Bishops and researchers from twelve African Countries have gathered in a discussion group at the Jean-Paul II Institut in Cotonou from June 14 to 17", said a joint statement from the Episcopal Conference of Benin and of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM/SCEAM), sent to Fides Agency.
The purpose of the meeting is to "prepare the contribution of the Church in Africa at the Synod. In response to the expectations of contemporary society, the participants will advance the proposals of the continent on the future of the family in the light of the Gospel and African cultural values".
The statement concluded by inviting "all Christians, in the joy of the Gospel, to pray, to reflect and to act with the Church on the challenges of today's family". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/06/2014)