Catholic Bishops in Africa, Europe Jointly Encourage Fostering of Inter-Religious Dialogue

“In promoting cultural, inter-religious and ecumenical dialogue, and aware that the Church is a mother, we ask that each local church be a house with open doors, to sustain hope, build bridges, break down walls and sow seeds of reconciliation,” the Bishops appeal, and “call for peace especially in all countries that are currently experiencing conflict in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and throughout the world.”

Drawing inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, they look toward realizing, in Africa and in Europe, “a Church that serves, a Church that goes out to defend and accompany life.”

“To this end, our mission will continue to be orientated towards the progress of humanity and universal brotherhood, to help build a better world, and thus, reawakening the spiritual energy that can contribute to benefitting society,” members of SECAM and CCEE say in their joint statement.

Convened under the theme, “Solidarity in the promotion of human dignity in the light of Fratelli Tutti,” the two-day seminar aimed to deepen the common responsibility of Catholic Bishops in Africa and Europe for evangelization and the human promotion in their respective continents in particular and the world in general.

In their collective statement, the Bishops reaffirm their “communion and collegiality and commit ourselves to work to promote human dignity, fraternity and solidarity, which are at the heart of human life and peaceful coexistence.” 

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“As children of the one Father, we must be open to one another and work hard to build genuine brotherhood not only among our local communities but also with people of different cultural backgrounds, racial and ethnic identities, religious and political positions, social and economic status,” they say.

They call on political leaders, state authorities and bodies such as the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations “to ensure the practical implementation of laws and protocols that enhance solidarity and promote human dignity.”

In particular, the Bishops seek the realization of frameworks that foster “the promotion of life, family, educational and religious freedom as well as the welcome and integration of migrants.”

They also push for protocols that can guarantee “fair and universal access to Covid-19 vaccines.”

“As pastors, we recommit ourselves to an inclusive culture and worldview, which for us Christians is that of Jesus Christ, where all members consider themselves 'one' and are at home with each other as the family of God,” the Catholic Bishops in Africa and Europe say.

Making reference to SECAM’s Kampala Document, the Bishops add, “The salvific culture that comes from God ‘transcends all cultural traditions, because all cultures find in it their fullness of meaning.’”

“We believe that our two continental episcopal bodies will continue to study and share experiences for the good of our peoples, and work tirelessly to bring an end to prejudice, intolerance, hostility and violence everywhere,” the Bishops further say.

They implore, “We entrust to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, and to Saint Joseph, our commitment, as well as that of our priests, deacons and all the faithful to pray and to promote peace, solidarity and human dignity, not only in our communities but also throughout society as a whole.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.