The 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) officially opened on July 30, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, drawing together over 250 participants under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.”
The gathering, which includes Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Religious men and women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands, as well as global partners reflects a united commitment to the Gospel mission and the future of the African Church.
In his homily during the opening Mass, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, SECAM President and Archbishop of Kinshasa (DRC), described the Plenary as “a visible sign of the deep communion that binds us together in Christ and the shared commitment we carry for the mission of the Gospel on this continent.”
He expressed gratitude to the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda for hosting the assembly with generosity and openness.
Addressing delegates at the opening ceremony, Rwandan Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, thanked SECAM for choosing Rwanda as the host nation, calling it “a sign of solidarity and a powerful message of shared commitment to the values of hope, reconciliation, and peace.”
Dr. Nsengiyumva lauded the Catholic Church for its pivotal role in Rwanda’s transformational journey and its enduring contribution to peace and development in Africa.
This Plenary takes place within the broader context of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope and the ongoing Synodal journey of the global Church.
According to Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, Secretary General of SECAM, the Assembly will focus on several strategic areas, including the unveiling of a long-term Vision Document for 2025–2050 anchored on pillars such as: evangelization and catechesis, family life and leadership, youth engagement, care for creation, political and civic responsibility, and digital evangelization.
Additionally, the Assembly will offer pastoral reflections on accompanying Catholics amid complex cultural realities, with robust discussions on governance, justice, peacebuilding, climate change, interfaith dialogue, and safeguarding.
The Plenary will also launch SECAM’s Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and initiate the renewal of SECAM leadership by its constitution.
As SECAM enters its sixth decade, the 20th Assembly serves as a beacon of unity and a call to action for the Church in Africa to remain steadfast in faith and to boldly lead in shaping a continent rooted in Christ’s hope, reconciliation, and peace.
