The Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Bishop Charles Kasonde, has called for stronger collaboration between the Church and governments in the region, saying such partnerships are essential for advancing peace, justice, good governance, and the holistic development of the people of Eastern Africa.
Speaking during the official opening of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi, Bishop Kasonde welcomed Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, describing his presence as a powerful affirmation of the longstanding partnership between the Church and the State.
On behalf of the bishops of the AMECEA region, Bishop Kasonde expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Kenya for hosting the Assembly, noting that Kenya continues to be a place of dialogue, hospitality, and regional solidarity.
“It is my great joy, on behalf of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa, to welcome you to the official opening of our 21st Plenary Assembly,” he said, adding that the gathering represents millions of Catholics from Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia.
Held under the theme “AMECEA’s Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice, and Good Governance,” the Assembly has brought together bishops, priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, invited guests, and thousands of young people from across Eastern Africa to reflect on the pastoral and social realities facing the region.
Bishop Kasonde said the Plenary Assembly provides an important opportunity for the Church to renew its commitment to addressing the pressing challenges confronting society while strengthening its mission of accompanying young people through the synodal journey.
“We have gathered here this week to reflect on the pressing needs of our societies and to renew our shared commitment to peace, justice, and good governance in our nations,” he said.
The AMECEA Chairman emphasized that the participation of Kenya’s senior government leadership demonstrates the value of continued cooperation between civil authorities and the Church in serving the common good.
He described the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s presence as an assurance of the shared commitment between AMECEA and the Government of Kenya, particularly because the Association’s Secretariat is headquartered in Nairobi. According to Bishop Kasonde, this relationship should continue to foster mutual respect and collaboration in responding to the needs of the people across the region.
Calling for even stronger collaboration in the years ahead, Bishop Kasonde said the Church values partnership with governments whenever it advances the dignity of every person and contributes to peaceful and just societies.
“We look to this Assembly to strengthen this partnership, and to the coming week of deliberations to bear fruit for the good of the Church and the nations we serve,” he said.
The 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly continues throughout the week with prayer, dialogue, and pastoral reflection focused on accompanying young people as protagonists in the Church’s synodal journey. Delegates are expected to explore practical ways of promoting communion, hope, justice, and good governance across the countries that make up the AMECEA region while strengthening collaboration between the Church and society for the integral development of all.