Angola’s National Reconciliation Congress Ends with Call for Church to Foster Dialogue and Active Citizenship

Luanda, 09 November, 2025 / 9:52 PM

Angola’s National Reconciliation Congress has ended with an appeal for the Catholic Church to continue fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and active citizenship in view of realizing unity and moral renewal across the Southern African nation.

In his closing address during the November 6-9, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) urged faith leaders to remain faithful to their vocation of serving the common good.

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba said the Church must remain committed to promoting cultural and ethical values that allow Angola “to smile for everyone.” 

He emphasized that the Church’s social mission “is not political interference,” but a contribution to awakening civic responsibility and national cohesion.

“The Church has the duty to contribute to the awakening of a conscious and active citizenship capable of thinking responsibly about the future of the country,” Archbishop Imbamba said on Sunday, November 9.

He encouraged Angolans to adopt a synodal approach—walking together, listening, and discerning collectively—arguing that the Church’s synodal process offers lessons for civil society as well. 

“Listening and dialogue,” he said, “are the safest paths toward lasting peace and reconciliation.”

He urged citizens across Dioceses and communities to become “seeds planted for this Angola 50 years later,” promoting unity, love, and solidarity.

“We want an Angola that knows how to smile, share, and welcome. An Angola where reconciliation is not just a discourse, but a way of living,” the Catholic Church leader said.

The Local Ordinary of Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Saurimo went on to reflect on the role of religious leaders in promoting reconciliation, unity, and peace.

“Our role is to open paths, awaken consciences, and offer opportunities that allow Angolans to converge around shared ideals,” he said, adding that the Church “must help the nation rediscover its spiritual and cultural identity.”

Archbishop Imbamba noted that reconciliation and national cohesion require the involvement of all citizens and argued that the Church—because of its experience and moral authority—has the responsibility to inspire genuine and sustained dialogue. 

“Our mission is pastoral and human. We want to help citizens think together, discern, and walk united, so that the dream of a reconciled Angola becomes a reality,” he said.

He proposed that reconciliation become a cultural habit and a new way of living among Angolans. 

“We must learn to live together in our differences and define perspectives that allow our nation to flourish,” the 60-year-old Catholic Archbishop stated, adding that mutual respect, attentive listening, and solidarity are the foundations of a renewed national spirit.

The CEAST President reaffirmed the Church’s willingness to continue offering spiritual and cultural support to help the country recover unity and hope. 

“This Angola, 50 years later, must have new reasons to smile and to grow,” he said.

Archbishop Imbamba also appealed for the strengthening of cultural and ethical foundations that shape responsible citizenship. 

“The Church has the duty to contribute to the awakening of a conscious and active citizenship capable of thinking responsibly about the future of the country,” he noted.