Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo-Besungu, has said that true communion and collegiality within the Church must begin at the local and continental levels before it can make a meaningful impact globally.
Speaking in an address at the opening of a seminar for newly appointed bishops of the continent in Accra, Ghana, under the theme “Knowing and Owning SECAM,” Cardinal Ambongo underscored the vital role that SECAM plays in facilitating collaboration and shared action among African bishops.
Seminar for new African Bishops aimed at strengthening communion, leadership opens in Accra
He highlighted that SECAM, through its Statutes, aims to preserve, foster, and promote communion, joint action, and collaboration among Episcopal Conferences across Africa and Madagascar. “SECAM serves as a collegial platform where bishops come together to discuss, discern, and make decisions on matters affecting the Church in Africa,” the Cardinal explained.
He further elaborated that by encouraging strong collegial relationships, SECAM provides a space for bishops to support one another in their dioceses, whether through shared resources, collaborative programs, or mutual prayer. This approach, he noted, strengthens trust and accountability within the episcopate and contributes to a unified African Church.
Cardinal Ambongo also emphasised that continental bodies like SECAM give tangible expression to the concept of collegiality within the Church. He stated, “True communion and collegiality must first be cultivated at local and continental levels before they can meaningfully contribute to the universal Church.”
