“Urgent, cannot be postponed”: Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe Bishops’ Conference President on Need for Reconciliation

Luanda, 22 September, 2025 / 10:25 PM

The President of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) has emphasized the centrality of reconciliation in the life of the people of God in the two countries.

In his homily during the closing Mass of the September 17-22 CEAST Second Annual Plenary Assembly, Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba reflected on Angola’s 50th Independence Jubilee.

“Reconciliation is urgent and cannot be postponed,” Archbishop Imbamba said during the September 21 Eucharistic celebration that was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima in Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Viana.

He added, “It is time to heal old wounds and create a new pact of fraternal coexistence. Independence was an achievement. Peace is a divine gift. But reconciliation is a path that requires courage, humility, and forgiveness.” 

Archbishop Imbamba emphasized that “national reconciliation is a possible path.”

He warned that true reconciliation goes beyond rhetoric, saying, “It is not enough that we have silenced the weapons; we must also silence hatred and cultivate a culture of reconnection. Reconciliation begins in the heart of every citizen, in our homes, communities, and institutions. It is a moral, spiritual, and historical imperative.”

Addressing authorities, politicians, church representatives, and civil society, the Local Ordinary of Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Saurimo said that Angola’s Golden Jubilee of independence offers an opportunity for introspection.

“We cannot celebrate only with speeches. This is the time to look within ourselves as a nation, recognize errors, forgive, and propose a new social contract that includes everyone, especially those historically marginalized,” Archbishop Imbamba said.

On the symbolic opening of the National Congress of Reconciliation scheduled for October 29–31, he noted that “independence was an achievement, but peace continues to be a project yet to be consolidated among Angolans. Reconciliation is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the only path to national cohesion, sustainable development, and social justice.”

The Angolan Catholic Archbishop highlighted key obstacles to peace, including social exclusion, hate speech, impunity, and institutional mistrust, and emphasized, “We must abandon the logic of winners and losers.”

“Angola belongs to all its children. Restorative justice must replace divisive rhetoric. The time has come to recognize each other not as adversaries but as brothers seeking to rebuild together the homeland we inherited and will leave as a legacy,” the CEAST President said.

Emphasizing reconciliation as a collective responsibility, the Catholic Church leader said, “National reconciliation is not the exclusive task of the Church. It is everyone’s mission: politicians, community leaders, entrepreneurs, youth, women, academics, artists—everyone. We need a new pact of hope with God and with our brothers.”

Archbishop Imbamba called upon all sectors of society to participate in the National Congress of Reconciliation, saying, “We invite all social sectors to conduct their own jubilees. This Congress will culminate a journey of truth, forgiveness, and commitment. Everyone is called to participate; no one should be left out.”

He denounced greed, corruption, and selfishness as obstacles to peace. He said, “These evils corrode human dignity and prevent the fair sharing of resources. We need administrators and leaders committed to the common good. All who hold public responsibilities must conduct their own examination of conscience.”

“May Our Lady of Muxima, our Mother at heart, intercede for us. May this golden jubilee inspire us to build a reconciled, just, and peaceful nation. Under her tender gaze, may every Angolan recognize a brother in another,” Archbishop Imbamba implored.