“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.
