The Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Archbishop Maurice Makumba Muhatia of Kisumu Archdiocese, has called on the Church in the region to deepen its synodal journey by listening more attentively to young people and walking with them in building communities of communion, hope, justice, and good governance.
Delivering his opening address at the official inauguration of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi, Archbishop Muhatia said the Church has a responsibility to accompany young people, recognizing them not merely as beneficiaries of pastoral care but as active participants in the life and mission of the Church.
The week-long Plenary Assembly is being held under the theme: “AMECEA’s Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice, and Good Governance.”
Welcoming Church leaders, government officials, diplomats, ecumenical partners, religious men and women, and delegates from the AMECEA region, Archbishop Muhatia reflected on the significance of returning to Nairobi fifteen years after the city hosted the Association’s 17th Plenary Assembly during the celebration of AMECEA’s Golden Jubilee.
“From Nairobi 2011 to Nairobi 2026, exactly fifteen years ago we were in this institution for the 17th AMECEA Plenary Assembly while celebrating the 50th anniversary since the foundation of AMECEA,” he recalled, describing the current gathering as another important milestone in the Association’s pastoral journey.
The KCCB Chair observed that the themes discussed during previous plenary assemblies demonstrate the Church’s commitment to responding to the concrete realities facing the people of Eastern Africa.
He cited previous assemblies that reflected on deeper evangelization, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, reconciliation through justice and peace, new evangelization, and peaceful coexistence amid diversity, noting that each theme emerged from the lived experiences of the people the Church serves.
“The Church in the region is no stranger to the lived situations of the people to whom and among whom she ministers,” Archbishop Muhatia said, emphasizing that AMECEA has consistently sought to accompany communities through changing social, economic, and spiritual realities.
Quoting the spirit that has guided the Association throughout its history, he affirmed:
“The joys of the people we serve are our joys. Their sorrows, our sorrows. Their aspirations, our aspirations. Their struggles, our struggles.”
He said the Church’s mission is to keep alive the hope that comes from God while reminding humanity that authentic fulfilment is found beyond the material realities of this world.
Young People at the Centre of the Synodal Journey
Archbishop Muhatia described this year’s theme as especially significant at a time when young people continue to shape the social, economic, political, and ecclesial future of the region.
He said AMECEA seeks to “listen more attentively to what the Spirit is telling us through the vibrance and vitality that comes with youthful society,” noting that genuine synodality requires openness to the voices, experiences, and gifts of young people.
The Archbishop cautioned against overlooking young people in the Church’s mission.
“Not to pay attention to youthful society not only smacks of recklessness, but is also tragically irresponsible,” he said, urging delegates to ensure that the assembly produces practical pastoral responses that empower young people and strengthen their participation in the Church and society.
A Mission Rooted in Hope
Reflecting on the Christian understanding of hope, Archbishop Muhatia reminded delegates that the Church’s mission is anchored in God’s promise of eternal life.
Quoting Hebrews 13:14, he said, “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come,” while also recalling the words of St. Augustine that “our hearts remain restless until they rest in God.” He encouraged participants to ensure that all pastoral reflection remains rooted in faith while responding to contemporary challenges.
As delegates begin their deliberations, Archbishop Muhatia prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide the Assembly in discerning new ways of accompanying young people and strengthening the Church’s witness across Eastern Africa.
The 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly brings together bishops from the AMECEA region alongside clergy, religious, lay leaders, youth representatives, development partners, and invited guests to reflect on the Church’s pastoral mission with young people. Through prayer, dialogue, and shared discernment, participants are expected to identify practical pathways for promoting communion, hope, justice, and good governance in both the Church and society.
