In a timely and grace-filled gathering, the Standing Committee of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) began its First Annual Meeting of 2026 in Accra, Ghana, from January 21 to 24.
The assembly brought together 20 top Church leaders, including 14 bishops serving as Presidents and Vice-Presidents of Africa’s eight ecclesiastical regions, to chart a course for a stronger, more accountable Church.
Cardinal Ambongo Opens the Meeting
The meeting was officially opened by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, who described the session as a fresh start rooted in continuity and renewed commitment.
“These are demanding matters that require not only discussion, but decisions and action,” the Cardinal said, urging the bishops to implement the resolutions of the 2025 Plenary Assembly in Rwanda into tangible programmes across the continent.
New Faces, Renewed Vision
Cardinal Ambongo welcomed new Standing Committee members, including:
Most Rev. Jose Manuel Imbamba (Angola, 2nd Vice President)
Joachim Ntahondereye (ACEAC)
Charles Yava Mahuza (CEROI)
Sarrio Cucarella Diego Ramon (CERNA)
Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda (IMBISA)
He also paid tribute to outgoing members for their wisdom, sacrifice, and commitment to African Church unity.
Synodality at the Heart
A key focus of the meeting is the implementation of Synodality, fostering communion, shared responsibility, and missionary effectiveness among Bishops, Clergy, Religious, and Laity.
Facing Africa’s Challenges Head-On
While noting Africa’s vibrant faith communities, strong family life, and energetic youth, Cardinal Ambongo acknowledged serious threats: armed conflicts, insecurity, forced displacement, poverty, unemployment, governance crises, and ecological emergencies.
“The Church must remain a prophetic and credible voice for human dignity, peace, and the protection of the vulnerable,” he stressed.
Agenda for Action
The Standing Committee will focus on:
Reviewing the SECAM Strategic Plan (Vision 2025-2050)
Adopting a transparent, sustainable budget
Strengthening youth evangelisation and leadership
Promoting Catholic education and formation under the African Pact on Education
Addressing statutory and governance matters
Pull-Quote: “From words to action—this is the Church Africa expects,” Cardinal Ambongo reminded participants.
SECAM’s 2026 agenda signals a new chapter of bold leadership for the Church in Africa.
signals
Source: SECAM Communication’s Office
