Angolan Bishop Urges Redefinition of Church Strategies to Safeguard Catholic Scouting

Luanda, 31 August, 2025 / 8:10 PM

Bishop Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti of the Catholic Diocese of Cabinda in Angola has called for urgent rethinking of the Catholic Church’s strategies to address growing challenges in Catholic Scouting in the Southern African nation.

In his homily during the opening Mass of the First Extraordinary National Meeting of Chaplains and Coordinators of Catholic Scouts of Angola, Bishop Chissengueti warned that internal conflicts, contradictory directives, and disobedience to Church authority are threats to the unity of the movement.

“The present moment demands firm decisions, discernment, and fidelity to Christian identity. Either we remain in the Church and identify with it, or we leave and identify with something else,” he said during the August 29 Eucharistic celebration that was held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish of Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Viana.

Initially scheduled for 2026, the gathering was brought forward in response to growing tensions.

Bishop Chissengueti explained that the Church could not remain silent in the face of “disobedience and instability” that were undermining Catholic Scouting.

“We were compelled by circumstances to act quickly,” he said, and added, “Pastoral mission requires a swift response.”

The three-day meeting set to conclude on Sunday, August 31 has brought together Catholic delegates from all Catholic Dioceses of Angola and São Tomé. Its central goal is to reaffirm the identity and mission of Catholic Scouting in line with Church teaching, distinguishing it from scouting movements of other denominations.

In his homily, the Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp./Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) noted that the Church’s intention is not to compete with other religious denominations, but to protect the integrity of Catholic Scouting.

“Many denominations walk alongside us. What is lacking is a voice of authority. We do not want division, but we must ensure that the scouting we promote is truly committed to the Catholic faith,” the Catholic Church leader told the over 50 Coordinators of Catholic Scouts.

Bishop Chissengueti faulted practices that he said undermine the Catholic Church’s authority, citing specific service orders that he said had been ignored and scout leaders who held activities outside Parish life.

“It pains the soul to see leaders taking children and adults into spaces outside the Church, in defiance of clear instructions. The scout promise can never outweigh the baptismal promise. First, I am a Christian; then, a scout,” Bishop Chissengueti said.

The Catholic Bishop, who also serves as the president of the Episcopal Commission for youth, university ministry and Scouting of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) emphasized that obedience to the Church is fundamental for the unity and discipline of Catholic Scouting.

“Catholic scouting cannot be confused with parallel movements or secular structures that reject ecclesial authority. We need scouts who first and foremost recognize themselves as Christians,” he said.

Bishop Chissengueti, who has been at the helm of Cabinda Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in September 2018 encouraged Scouts, Chaplains, and Coordinators to embrace this moment of renewal with prayer, discernment, and courage.

“We are redefining paths. We are building our foundation, a solid foundation rooted in faith, communion, and fidelity to the Church,” the Bishop of Cabinda said.