AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Southern Africa Catholic Bishops’ Conference January Plenary Session

Pretoria (Agenzia Fides)- On 24 January with a special Mass St Peter’s Seminary in Pretoria the Southern Africa Catholic Bishops’ Conference started its January Plenary Session.
On Thursday 25 January, the last day of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Professor Nurenberger of the Lutheran Church joined the Bishops for their Ecumenical Sharing slot. The Bishops also considered the second volume of the Ecumenical Booklet called ‘Fruitful Encounters’ on dealings with non Christian communities.
Subjects for discussion included ‘Healing and Faith’ and Sangoma Priests; an update on preparations for a Pastoral Forum later this year. The Bishops listened to an address by Bishop Roche, Chairman of ICEL, followed by reports on the Seminaries, Offices and Associate Bodies, include the Denis Hurley Institute, the AIDS Office and the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office, before the Bishops elect liaison bishops for offices and portofolios; Finances - the Lenten Appeal. Pontifical Mission Societies , Ongoing Formation, the Council of Priests.
The SACBC plenary assembly will close on 30 January. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 29/1/2007 righe 19 parole 182)