Angola’s Catholic Bishops Hail Election of CEAST President as SECAM Second Vice President

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, elected Second Vice President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Credit: ACI Africa

Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, a member of the Clergy of Mozambique’s Xai-Xai Catholic Diocese, was also re-elected Secretary General (SG), to be deputized by Fr. Zéphirin Moube from Cameroon as First Deputy SG and Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina from Nigeria as Second Deputy SG.

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, elected Second Vice President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Credit: ACI Africa

In an audio message circulated on August 2, the CEAST spokesperson said the election of Archbishop Imbamba “underscores the active role of the Angolan Church in continental ecclesial affairs.”

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, elected Second Vice President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Credit: ACI Africa

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“The election of Archbishop Imbamba as SECAM’s Second Vice President is a source of pride and hope for all members of CEAST,” Bishop Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti of the Catholic Diocese of Cabinda said.

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, elected Second Vice President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Credit: ACI Africa

Bishop Chissengueti further said, “The President of CEAST is a recognized pastoral figure in the Angolan episcopate known for his leadership and social and pastoral commitment.”

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, elected Second Vice President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Credit: ACI Africa

“He is the second Angolan Bishop to hold a leadership position in SECAM, following Archbishop Gabriel Mbilingi, who served as president of the body for six years from 2013 to 2019, fulfilling two three-year terms,” he recalled.