Bamakao (Fides Service) "In Africa tormented by suffering and death because of war and violence, Africa plunged into total discouragement, in a world ever more hostile and indifferent to Christ and his Gospel, it is urgently necessary to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ." This was said by Archbishop Robert Sarah, Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, representing the Prefect Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, at the 15th plenary assembly of the French-speaking Bishops' Conferences of West Africa CERAO, in Bamako, Mali 3-9 February. The theme of the assembly was "Planning and programming holiness". In his address Archbishop Sarah encouraged the Bishops "not to give in to discouragement, and even less to pessimism which is contrary to the Christian experience of which you are guarantors." Achille Kouawo who reported on the event for Fides Service said the theme chosen for this year's assembly is part of a three year plan launched in 2000 during the 14th plenary. "Our priority is to promote holiness among all Africans". For more information about the Assembly see three texts in French: Message from Cardinal Sodano, addresses by Archbishop Sarah and Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto at www.fides.org LM (Fides Service 8/2/2003 EM lines 16 Words: 214)