Ghana will host the 19th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) from July 25 to August 1, 2022 under the auspices of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The event is under the theme: Ownership of SECAM: Security and Migration in Africa and it’s Islands.
This was made known at a press conference by the Acting Treasurer of SECAM and Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Kumordji at the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra.
Most Rev. Gabriel Kumordji in his address revealed that, the Assembly would bring together about one hundred and thirty (130) participants which comprises of Cardinals, Bishops and Representatives of Church Institutions from the continent of Africa.
He explained that, the Assembly at the initial stage was scheduled to take place in Burkina Faso but due to the political instability in the country and the non-recognition of the military regime by both the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Bishops of Africa found it not expedient to hold the Assembly in Burkina Faso hence, Ghana taking over.
SECAM he indicated, was founded with the aims to accomplish together in Africa, Christ’s mandate to proclaim the message of redemption to all nations.
Also, to foster, promote and preserve solidarity, communion and collaboration among the Bishops of the continent.
Again, to build the Church in Africa as Family to God; uphold the Church’s role as a sign and an instrument of salvation and sanctification.
Likewise, to speak with one voice on matters pertaining to the Church Family of God, especially, those that impact negatively on the peoples of the African continent and beyond.
SECAM he mentioned, carries out its religious, socio-economic and political activities through imbalances between the North and South of the world, as far as the distribution of resources is concerned.
According to Most Rev. Gabriel Kumordji, SECAM seeks to bring the voice of the Catholic Church on issues of good governance and sustainable development, and to promote servant leadership across the continent and the islands.
“The Bishops of Africa have set aside a day Known as SECAM DAY that is observed annually on July 29 at the Diocesan, national, Regional and continental levels in Africa. This SECAM DAY is to make more known the programmes and projects of SECAM and also seek financial and material support for SECAM’s activities.
SECAM was founded in Kampala, Uganda on July 29, 1969 during the Pastoral Visit of Pope IPaul VI (the first Pope to have visited Africa, South of the Sahara). There are presently over 600 Catholic bishops in Africa of which 28 are Cardinals; two of these being Ghanaians.
Through a vote cast in 1970, Accra, Ghana, was chosen by the Prelates of Africa to host the Secretariat or Headquarters of SECAM.