Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides)- Satisfaction for progress achieved at the social and political level in central African countries was expressed by the Standing Council of the Association of Central African Bishops’ Conferences ACEAC during a plenary meeting in mid October in Bujumbura, capital of Burundi. The Catholic Bishops expressed appreciation for progress made in democracy in their countries Burundi, Rwanda Democratic Congo, obtained with sacrifice and great effort on the part of the people which contributed towards transparent democratic elections.
The Bishops discussed the social, political and religious situation in their respective countries expressing appreciation for the activity of the Church which “continues to accompany with courage and determination the peoples entrusted to her pastoral care the ACEAC statement reads.
The Bishops also listened to a report on the activity of the ACEAC Justice and Peace Commission created in 2004, and the presentation of a series of future initiatives in the countries of the region. The proposed initiatives included: printing and circulation of the Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Church; start process for formation of animators and analysts on social matters in the region of the Great Lakes and the second session of formation on peace-building at the request of the local Bishops.
After viewing the three year action plan presented by ACEAC Justice and Peace Commission, the Bishops asked for it to include analysis of the causes of conflict and the needs of the region, and more emphasis on the moral values on which the plan is based.
The President of Burundi Pierre Nkurunziza received the Bishops of the ACEAC standing committee on a courtesy visit.
The next ACEAC Plenary will be held in Kinshasa, capital of Democratic del Congo, 8 - 10 December. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 22/11/2006 righe 32 parole 333)
