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30 - 23.10.2009
SOMMARIO
- MESSAGGIO AL POPOLO DI
DIO
MESSAGGIO AL
POPOLO DI DIO
Nella Diciottesima Congregazione Generale di questa mattina, venerdì
23 ottobre 2009, i Padri sinodali hanno approvato il Nuntius
(Messaggio) a conclusione della II Assemblea Speciale per l’Africa
del Sinodo dei Vescovi.
Pubblichiamo qui di seguito la versione in inglese del testo
integrale (redatto in italiano, inglese, francese e portoghese):
INTRODUCTION
1. It was a special gift of grace and like a last will and testament
to Africa when the Servant of God Pope John Paul II, towards the end
of his life, on November 13th, 2004, announced his intention to
convoke a Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of
Bishops. This same intention was confirmed by his successor, our
Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on the 22nd of June, 2005, in one of
the first major decisions of his pontificate. As we gather here for
this Synod, from all countries of Africa and Madagascar and the
adjacent Islands, with brother bishops and colleagues from all
continents, with and under the Head of the Episcopal College, with
the participation of some fraternal delegates from other Christian
traditions, we thank God for this providential opportunity to
celebrate the blessings of the Lord on our continent, to assess our
stewardship as Pastors of God’s flock, and to seek fresh inspiration
and encouragement for the tasks and challenges that lie ahead. It is
now fifteen years since the First Assembly in 1994. The teachings
and directives of the Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in
Africa have not ceased to be a valid guide for our pastoral efforts.
In this follow-up assembly, however, the Synod has been able to
concentrate on a theme of the greatest urgency for Africa: our
service to reconciliation, justice and peace in a continent that is
very much in dire need of these graces and virtues.
2. We started our work here with an inaugural celebration of the
Holy Eucharist, presided over by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI,
invoking the Holy Spirit to “lead us into all truth” (Jn 16:13). On
that occasion, the Pope reminded us that the Synod is not primarily
a study session. Rather, it is God’s initiative, calling us to
listen: listen to God, to one another and to the world around us, in
an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.
3. As we prepare to disperse to our various places of assignment,
with renewed commitment and courage, we wish to address this message
to the whole Church, Family of God, especially to the Church in
Africa: to our brother bishops on whose behalf we are here; to the
priests, deacons, religious and all the lay faithful, and to all
whose hearts God may open to listen to our words.
PART I
LOOKING AT AFRICA TODAY
4. We live in a world full of contradictions and deep crisis.
Science and technology are making giant strides in all aspects of
life, equipping humanity with all that it takes to make our planet a
beautiful place for us all. Yet tragic situations of refugees,
abject poverty, disease and hunger are still killing thousands on a
daily basis.
5. In all this, Africa is the most hit. Rich in human and natural
resources, many of our people are still left to wallow in poverty
and misery, wars and conflicts, crisis and chaos. These are very
rarely caused by natural disasters. They are largely due to human
decisions and activities by people who have no regard for the common
good and this often through a tragic complicity and criminal
conspiracy of local leaders and foreign interests.
6. But Africa must not despair. The blessings of God are still
abundant, waiting to be prudently and justly employed for the good
of her children. Where the conditions are right, her children have
proved that they can reach, and have indeed reached, the height of
human endeavours and competence. There is much good news in many
parts of Africa. But the modern media often tend to emphasize bad
news and thus seem to focus more on our woes and defects than on the
positive efforts that we are making. Nations have emerged from long
years of war and are moving gradually along the path of peace and
prosperity. Good governance is making appreciable positive impact in
some African nations, challenging others to review past and present
bad habits. Signals abound of many initiatives seeking to bring
effective solutions to our problems. This Synod, precisely by its
theme, hopes to be part of such positive initiatives. We call on all
and sundry to join hands to address the challenges of
Reconciliation, Justice and Peace in Africa. Many are suffering and
dying: there is no time to waste.
7. Our office as bishops obliges us to consider everything in the
light of faith. Soon after the publication of EIA, the bishops of
Africa, through the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and
Madagascar (SECAM), published a pastoral letter, with the title:
“Christ our Peace” (cf. Final Document of the Plenary Assembly of
SECAM at Rocca di Papa, 1-8 October 2000, published in Accra, 2001).
During this assembly, we have frequently reminded ourselves that the
initiative for all reconciliation and peace comes from God. As the
Apostle Paul declares: “God was in Christ reconciling the world to
himself”. This is done by his gratuitous gift of pardon without
condition, “not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor
5:17-20) and thus introducing us to his peace. As for justice, this
too is God’s doing, through his justifying grace in Christ.
8. In the same passage, St. Paul goes on to say that God is
“entrusting to us the message of reconciliation”, and has indeed
appointed us “ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through
us”. This is the exalted mandate that we have received from our
merciful and compassionate God. The Church in Africa, both as family
of God and as individual faithful has the duty to be instruments of
peace and reconciliation, after the heart of Christ, who is our
peace and reconciliation. And it shall be able to do this to the
extent that she is herself reconciled to God. Her strategies for
reconciliation, justice and peace in society must go beyond and
deeper than how the world handles these matters. Like St. Paul, the
Synod calls on all the people of Africa: “We beseech you on behalf
of Christ, be reconciled to God” ( 2 Cor 5:20). In other words, we
call on all to allow themselves to be reconciled to God. It is this
that opens the way to genuine reconciliation among persons. It is
this that can break the vicious circle of offence, revenge and
counter attack. In all this, the virtue of pardon is crucial, even
before any admission of guilt. Those who say that pardon does not
work should try revenge and see. True pardon promotes the justice of
repentance and reparation, leading to a peace that goes to the roots
of conflict, making friends, brothers and sisters out of former
victims and enemies. Since it is God who makes this kind of
reconciliation possible, we must give adequate place for prayer and
the sacraments in this ministry, especially the Sacrament of
Penance.
PART III
TO THE WORLD-CHURCH
9. This Synod is beaming its light of concern and solidarity on the
continent of Africa. We thank the Holy Father for walking with
Africa in her struggles and defending her cause with the full weight
of his enormous, moral authority. Like his predecessors, he has
always been a true friend of Africa and of Africans. In addressing
our challenges, we have been enriched and guided by the treasures
and wisdom of the magisterium of the Popes on socio-political
issues. In this regard, The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the
Church is a vademecum and resource-material which we hereby
earnestly recommend to all our lay faithful, especially those in
high office in our communities.
10. The Holy See has set up many direct initiatives for the
development and good of Africa. A case in point is the John Paul II
Sahel Foundation to fight against desertification of the Sahel
regions. Nor can we underestimate the great services which the
pontifical representatives render in our local Churches. Today, the
Holy See has nuncios in 50 out of the 53 nations of Africa. This is
a strong indication of the commitment of the Holy See to the service
of the continent. For this, the Synod expresses deep appreciation.
11. We greet with fraternal affection the entire Church beyond the
coasts of Africa, all of us members of the same Family of God
scattered all over the world. The presence and active participation
of delegates from other continents at this assembly confirms our
bond of effective and affective collegiality. We thank all those
local Churches who have been reaching out to render service in and
for Africa in both the spiritual and material domains. In the area
of reconciliation, justice and peace, the Church in Africa will
continue to count on the effective advocacy of Church leaders in
those rich and powerful countries whose policies, actions or
inactions go to cause or aggravate the predicament of Africa. There
is a special historic link between Europe and Africa. In this
regard, therefore, the existing relationship between the two
continental episcopal bodies, the Council of Episcopal Conferences
of Europe (CCEE) and SECAM needs to be strengthened and deepened. We
also welcome with joy the emergent fraternal rapport between the
Church in Africa and the Church in the Americas.
12. Many sons and daughters of Africa have left home to seek abode
in other continents. Many of them are doing well, contributing
validly to the life of their new resident countries. Others are just
struggling to survive. We recommend them all to the adequate
pastoral care of the Church-Family of God, wherever they are. “I was
a stranger and you made me welcome” (Mt 25:35) is not only a parable
about the end of the world but also a duty to be accomplished today.
The Church in Africa thanks God for many of her sons and daughters
who are missionaries on other continents. In this holy exchange of
gifts, it is important that all the stakeholders continue to work
for a transparent, fair, dignified and Christian relationship.
During the Synod session, the Church in Africa accepted the
challenge to take an interest in people of African descent in other
continents, especially the Americas.
13. At this point, this Synod feels the duty to express deep
appreciation to the many missionaries, clergy, religious and lay
faithful, from other continents who have brought the faith to most
of the countries of Africa, many of whom are still working there
with zeal and heroic dedication. Special thanks go to those who have
remained with their people even in times of war and grave crisis.
Some have even paid for their fidelity with their very lives.
PART IV
THE CHURCH IN AFRICA
14. We recall with just pride that Christianity has been in Africa
since its very beginning, in Egypt and Ethiopia, and soon after in
other parts of North Africa. This ancient Church has enriched the
universal Church with prestigious theological, spiritual and
liturgical traditions, illustrious saints and martyrs, as Pope John
Paul II has so eloquently pointed out (cf. EIA, 31). The Churches of
Egypt and Ethiopia, which have survived numerous trials and
persecutions, deserve high regard, and closer collaboration with the
much younger Churches in the rest of the continent. Such
collaboration is particularly important if we consider the thousands
of migrants and young students from south of the Sahara doing higher
studies in the Maghreb. Many of them are Catholics, bringing with
them their attachment to the faith, which greatly refreshes the
local Church of their place of residence. The Church in these
places, and other places made up mainly of foreigners, counts on the
solidarity of the Sister-Churches of Africa to send Fidei Donum
priests and other missionaries.
15. All over the continent, the Church will continue to march in
solidarity with her people. The joys and sorrows, the hopes and
aspirations of our people are our own too (cf. GS,1). We are
convinced that the first and most specific contribution of the
Church to the people of Africa is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
We are therefore committed to pursuing vigorously the proclamation
of the Gospel to the people of Africa, for “life in Christ is the
first and principal factor of development”, as Pope Benedict XVI
says in Caritas in veritate (CV, 8). For a commitment to development
comes from a change of heart, and a change of heart comes from
conversion to the Gospel. In this light, we accept our
responsibility to be instruments of reconciliation, justice and
peace in our communities, “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor 5:20), who
is our peace and reconciliation. In this regard, all members of the
Church, clergy, religious and lay faithful, must be mobilised to
work together in the unity that brings strength. We are challenged
and encouraged by the African proverb which says that “an army of
well organised ants can bring down an elephant”. We should not be
afraid of, less still be discouraged, by the enormity of the
problems of our continent.
16. The Church in Africa gladly welcomes the call made in the Synod
Hall for a “South-South” collaboration in our efforts. Many of the
problems of and pressures on Africa are found also in Asia and Latin
America. We believe that we have a lot to gain by not only comparing
notes but also joining hands. May the Lord show us the way forward
in this direction.
17. SECAM is the institution of the organic pastoral solidarity of
the Church hierarchy in Africa (cf. EIA, 16). Unfortunately, this
irreplaceable organ has not received the support that it should
have, even from the bishops of Africa. We thank God that this Synod
has been a blessed opportunity to highlight the importance of SECAM.
There is every reason to believe that the calls made by many Synod
Fathers for greater commitment to SECAM have not fallen on deaf
ears. As we prepare to return home, we are committed to give SECAM
the little that it needs to fulfil its mission. Established at the
initiative of SECAM and operating in loyal communion with her, the
Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and
Madagascar (COMSAM), is gradually growing into an effective
instrument of promoting on the continental level organic pastoral
solidarity in the life and apostolate of the religious in Africa.
The Synod welcomes their valid contribution to the life and mission
of the Church in Africa.
18. As bishops, we challenge ourselves to work in unity in our
various Episcopal Conferences and Assembly, giving our nations a
model of a reconciled and just national institution, ready to offer
ourselves as artisans of peace and reconciliation, whenever and
wherever called upon. We commend those bishops who have been playing
such roles, especially on an ecumenical and/or interfaith basis, as
we have seen them do in places like Mali, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Niger and others. The unity of the
episcopacy is a source of great strength, while its absence wastes
energies, frustrates efforts and gives room for the enemies of the
Church to neutralise our witness. An important area where such
national cooperation and cohesion is very useful is in the media and
social communications. Since EIA was published, there has been a
veritable explosion of Catholic radio stations in Africa, from only
about 15 in 1994 to over 163 today in 32 nations. We commend those
nations which have encouraged this development. We call on those
nations which still have reservations in this regard to review their
policies, for the good of their nations and people.
19. Each bishop must put issues of reconciliation justice and peace
high up on the pastoral agenda of his diocese. He should ensure the
establishment of a Justice and Peace Commission at all levels. We
should continue to work hard on forming consciences and changing
hearts, through effective catechesis at all levels. This must go
beyond the “simple catechism” for children and catechumens preparing
for the sacraments. We need to put in place an on-going formation
programme for all our faithful, especially those in high positions
of authority. Our dioceses must be models of good governance,
transparency and good financial management. We have to continue to
do our best to tackle poverty, which is a major obstacle to peace
and reconciliation. Here suggestions for micro-finance schemes
deserve careful attention. Finally, as head of his local Church, the
bishop has the duty to mobilise all his faithful, and get them
involved in their appropriate roles in the planning, formulating,
implementing and evaluating of diocesan policies and programmes for
reconciliation, justice and peace.
20. The priest is the “necessary and closest collaborator of the
bishop”. In this Year for Priests, dear brothers in the priesthood,
we address you in particular, who occupy a key position in the
apostolate of the diocese. You represent the face of the clergy most
visible to the people, both within and outside the Church. Your
example of living together in peace across tribal and racial lines
can be a powerful witness to others. This is demonstrated, for
example, as you gladly welcome whoever the Holy See appoints as
bishops over you, irrespective of place of birth. On you will depend
much of the implementation of diocesan pastoral plans for
reconciliation, justice and peace. Catechesis, formation of the
laity, the pastoral care of people in high office; none of these
will go far without your full commitment in your parishes and
different places of assignment. The Synod exhorts you not to neglect
your duty in this area. You will achieve greater success, if you are
able to work on the basis of a collaboratory ministry, bringing on
board all other segments of the parish community; deacons,
religious, catechists, laity, men and women and the youth. In many
cases, the priest is among the most enlightened in the local
community and sometimes would be expected to play some leadership
role in the affairs of the community. You should know how best to
offer your services in a non-partisan, pastoral and evangelical way.
Your fidelity to the priestly commitment, particularly to a life of
celibacy in chastity, as well as detachment from material things is
an eloquent witness to the People of God. Many of you have left
Africa to offer your missionary services in other continents. When
you work in full respect of good order, you project a good image of
Africa. The Synod commends your commitment to the missionary task of
the Church. May you all receive the reward promised to all those
“who have left home… for the sake of the Kingdom” (Lk 18:28).
21. Africa in recent years has also become very fertile ground for
religious vocations: priests, brothers and sisters. We thank God for
this great blessing. We commend you, our dear consecrated men and
women, for the witness of your religious life of evangelical
counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, which often make you
prophets and models of reconciliation, justice and peace, in
circumstances of extreme pressures. The Synod exhorts you to give
maximum effectiveness to your apostolate through loyal and committed
communion with the local hierarchy. In particular, the Synod
congratulates you, women religious, for your dedication and zeal in
your apostolate of health, education and other areas of human
development.
22. This Synod turns with deep affection to the lay faithful of
Africa. You are the Church of God out in the market places of
society. It is in and through you that the life and witness of the
Church are made visible to the world. You therefore share in the
mandate of the Church to be “ambassadors for Christ” working for
reconciliation of people to God and among themselves. This requires
of you to allow your Christian faith to permeate every aspect and
facet of your lives; in the family, at work, in the professions, in
politics and public life. This is no easy task. That is why you must
assiduously access the means of grace, through prayer and the
sacraments. The scripture text of the theme of our Synod, addressed
to all followers of Christ, refers in a special way to you: “You are
the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:13-14).
Here we would like to reiterate the recommendation of Ecclesia in
Africa about the importance of Small Christian Communities (cf. EIA,
93). Beyond prayer, you must also arm yourself with sufficient
knowledge of the Christian faith to be able to “give a proof of the
hope that you bear” (1 Pet 3:15) in the market places of ideas.
Those higher up among you have the duty to acquire a commensurate
level of religious culture. In particular, we strongly recommend the
basic sources of Catholic faith: the Holy Bible, The Catechism of
the Catholic Church, and most relevant to the theme of the Synod,
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. All these are
available at affordable costs. There is no excuse to remain ignorant
in the faith. In this regard, EIA fervently recommended the
establishment of Catholic Universities. We thank God that many such
institutions have emerged in the last 15 years, and many more are in
the pipe-line. This is a project of capital importance. It also
costs a lot of money. But it is necessary, if we are to invest for a
future of well formed Catholic laity, including members of new
ecclesial Movements, especially intellectuals, ready and able to
stand up and witness to the faith in the world of today. This is
certainly an area where the universal solidarity of the
Church-Family of God is greatly needed.
23. The Synod has a very important and special message for you, our
dear African Catholics in public life. We commend the many of you
who, not minding all the dangers and uncertainties of politics in
Africa, have generously offered yourselves for the public service of
your people, as an apostolate to promote the common good and God’s
kingdom of justice, love and peace, in line with the teachings of
the Church (cf. GS, 75). You can always count on the encouragement
and support of the Church. EIA expressed the hope that saintly
politicians and heads of state would emerge in Africa. This is by no
means a futile wish. It is heartening that the cause of the
beatification of Julius Nyerere of Tanzania is already on course.
Africa needs saints in high political office: saintly politicians
who will clean the continent of corruption, work for the good of the
people, and know how to galvanize other men and women of good will
from outside the Church to join hands against the common evils that
beset our nations. The Synod has strongly recommended that local
Churches intensify their apostolate for the spiritual care of people
in public office, to create effective chaplaincies for them and
organize high level liaison offices to evangelise legislative
houses. We exhort you, all our lay faithful in politics, to take
full advantage of any such programmes, where they exist. Many
Catholics in high office have fallen woefully short in their
performance in office. The Synod calls on such people to repent, or
quit the public arena and stop causing havoc to the people and
giving the Catholic Church a bad name.
24. We now turn our attention to our dear Catholic families of
Africa. We congratulate you for doggedly remaining true to the
ideals of the Christian family and retaining the best values of our
African family. We alert you to be on your guard against some
virulent ideological poisons from abroad, claiming to be “modern”
culture. You should continue to welcome children as gift from God,
and train them in the knowledge and fear of God, to be people of
reconciliation, justice and peace in future. We are aware that many
of our families are under great stress. Poverty often makes parents
unable to take good care of their children, with disastrous
consequence. We call on governments and civil authorities to
remember that a nation whose legislation destroys its own families
does so at its own detriment. Most families are asking for just what
is enough for survival. They have a right to live.
25. The Synod has a special word for you, Catholic women. You are
often the back bone of the local Church. In many countries, the
Catholic Women Organisations are a great force for the apostolate of
the Church. EIA recommended that in the Church, “women should be
properly trained so that they can participate at appropriate levels
in their apostolic activity” (n.121). In many places, progress has
been made along these lines. But a lot still needs to be done. The
specific contribution of women, not only in the home as wife and
mother but also in the social sphere should be more generally
acknowledged and promoted. The Synod recommends to our local
Churches to go beyond the general statement of EIA, and put in place
concrete structures to ensure real participation of women “at
appropriate levels”. The Holy See has given us good example in this
regard by appointing women to very high levels of office. All over
Africa, there is much talk about women’s rights, especially through
the plans of action of some UN agencies. Much of what they say is
right and in line with what the Church has been saying. But there is
need for caution in the concrete projects being advocated, often
with a hidden agenda. We charge you, our Catholic women to be fully
involved in the women’s programmes of your nations, with your eyes
of faith wide open. Armed with good information and the social
teachings of the Church, you should make sure that the good ideas
are not high jacked by the peddlers of foreign and morally poisonous
ideologies about gender and human sexuality. May our Mother Mary,
the Seat of Wisdom, guide you in doing this.
26. Similarly, the Synod calls on you, our Catholic men, to play
your important roles as responsible fathers and good and faithful
husbands. Follow the example of St. Joseph (cf. Mt 2:13-23), in the
care of the family, in the protection of life right from the moment
of conception and the education of the children. Make sure that you
organize yourselves into associations and Catholic Action Groups
that would enable you to improve the quality of Christian life and
commitment to the Church. This would also put you in a better
position to play leading roles in society and to become more
effective witnesses and promoters of reconciliation, justice and
peace, as salt of the earth and the light of the world.
27. Finally, we address you, our sons and daughters, the youth in
our communities. You are not just the future of the Church: you are
with us already in big numbers. In many countries of Africa, over
60% of the population are under 25. The ratio in the Church would
not be much different. You should be in the forefront of positive
social change and instruments of peace. We feel the need to pay
particular attention to you, young adults. You are often neglected,
left adrift as targets for all kinds of ideologies and sects. You
are the ones most often recruited and used for violence. We urge all
the local Churches to consider the apostolate to the youth a high
priority.
28. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. To such belongs
the kingdom of God” (Mt 19:14). The Synod has not forgotten you our
dear little children. You are always the object of our care and
attention. But we also acknowledge and are anxious to positively use
your enthusiasm and effectiveness as active agents of
evangelization, especially among your peers. You shall be given
adequate space, facilities and direction to organize yourselves for
the apostolate. We recommend to you especially the Pontifical
Mission Societies organization for children: the Holy Childhood
Association.
PART V
AN APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
29. The Family of God goes beyond the visible boundaries of the
Church, including the whole humanity. When it comes to issues of
reconciliation, justice and peace, we all meet at the deeper level
of our common humanity. This project concerns all, and calls for our
common action. We therefore raise our voices in appeal to all men
and women of good will. In particular, we call on those with whom we
profess the same faith in Jesus Christ and also to people of other
faiths.
30. On the whole, the UN agencies are doing good work in Africa for
development, peace keeping, defence of the just rights of women and
the child, and combating poverty and diseases: HIV/AIDS, malaria and
tuberculosis and other issues. The Synod commends the good work that
they are doing. However, we call on them to be more consistent and
transparent in implementing their programmes. We urge the countries
of Africa to carefully scrutinise the services being offered to our
people, to ensure that they are good for us. In particular, the
Synod denounces all surreptitious attempts to destroy and undermine
the precious African values of family and human life (e.g. the
obnoxious art. 14 of the Maputo Protocol and other similar
proposals).
31. The Church is second to none in the fight against HIV/AIDS and
the care of people infected and affected by it in Africa. The Synod
thanks all those who are generously involved in this difficult
apostolate of love and care. We plead for sustained support to meet
the needs of many for assistance (cf. EIA, 31). This Synod, with the
Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, seriously warns that the problem
cannot be overcome by the distribution of prophylactics. We appeal
to all who are genuinely interested in arresting the sexual
transmission of HIV/AIDS to recognise the success already obtained
by programs that propose abstinence among those not yet married, and
fidelity among the married. Such a course of action not only offers
the best protection against the spread of this disease but is also
in harmony with Christian morality. We address ourselves
particularly to you, the youth. Let no one deceive you into thinking
that you cannot control yourselves. Yes you can, with the grace of
God.
32. To the great powers of this world, we plead: treat Africa with
respect and dignity. Africa has been calling for a change in the
world economic order, with unjust structures piled heavily against
her. Recent turmoil in the financial world shows the need for a
radical change of rules. But it would be a tragedy if adjustments
are made only in the interest of the rich and again at the expense
of the poor. Many of the conflicts, wars and poverty of Africa
derive mainly from these unjust structures.
33. Humanity has a lot to gain, if it listens to the wise counsel of
our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI in Caritas in veritate. A new and
just world order is not only possible but necessary for the good of
all humanity. A change is called for with regard to the debts burden
against poor nations, which literally kills children. Multinationals
have to stop their criminal devastation of the environment in their
greedy exploitation of natural resources. It is short-sighted policy
to foment wars in order to make fast gains from chaos, at the cost
of human lives and blood. Is there no one out there able and willing
to stop all these crimes against humanity?
PART VI
“AFRICA, RISE UP!”
34. It is said that the cradle of the human species is somewhere in
Africa. Our continent has a long history of great empires and
illustrious civilizations. The future history of the continent is
still to be written. God has blessed us with vast natural and human
resources. In the international ratings of material and development
indices, the countries of Africa are often at the bottom of the
table. But this is no cause for despair. There have been gross acts
of historic injustices, like slave trade and colonialism, whose
negative consequence still lingers on. But these are no longer any
excuse for not moving on. Much is actually happening. We commend the
efforts to liberate Africa from cultural alienation and political
bondage. Now Africa must face the challenge of giving her children a
dignified level of living conditions. On the political level, there
is progress in continental integration, as the Organization for
African Unity (OAU) developed into an African Union (AU). The AU and
other regional groups, at times in collaboration with the UN, have
undertaken initiatives for resolving conflicts and keeping peace in
many crisis situations. On the economic front, Africa has tried to
fashion for herself a strategic framework for development called
NEPAD, New Economic Partnership for African Development. She has
even made provisions for an APRM (African Peer Review Mechanism) to
monitor and measure the compliance of nations. The Synod commends
these efforts, because these programmes clearly link economic
emancipation of Africa with the installation of good governance.
Here, unfortunately, is the sticking point. For most African nations
the beautiful documents of NEPAD are still a dead letter. We look
forward to a general improvement of governance in Africa.
35. The Synod happily congratulates the few countries in Africa
which have started on the route of genuine democracy. They are
already witnessing the good dividends of doing things well. Some
have emerged from many years of wars and conflict and are gradually
building up their shattered nations. We hope that their good example
will challenge others to change bad habits.
36. The Synod is sad to note that the situation in many countries is
a great shame. We think in particular about the sad situation in
Somalia, engulfed in a virulent conflict for almost two decades,
which is already affecting neighbouring countries. We do not forget
the tragic plight of millions of people in the Great Lakes Region,
and the still lingering crisis in Northern Uganda, South Sudan,
Darfur, Guinea Conakry and other places. Those who control the
affairs of those nations must take full responsibility for their
woeful performance. In most cases, we are dealing with greed for
power and wealth at the expense of the people and nation. Whatever
may be the responsibility of foreign interests, there is always the
shameful and tragic collusion of the local leaders: politicians who
betray and sell out their nations, dirty business people who collude
with rapacious multi-nationals, African arms dealers and traffickers
who thrive on small arms that cause great havoc on human lives, and
local agents of some international organizations who get paid for
peddling toxic ideologies that they don’t believe in.
37. The negative consequence of all this is there before the whole
world: poverty, misery and disease; refugees within and outside the
country and overseas, the search for greener pastures which leads to
brain drain, clandestine migration and human trafficking, wars and
blood shed, often by proxy, the atrocity of child soldiers and
unspeakable violence against women. How can anybody be proud of
“presiding” over such chaos? What has happened to our traditional
African sense of shame? This Synod proclaims it loud and clear: it
is time to change habits, for the sake of present and future
generations.
PART VII
JOINING OUR SPIRITUAL FORCES
38. We wish to recall again what Pope Benedict XVI said in his
homily at the inaugural Mass of this Synod: that Africa is the
“spiritual lung” of the humanity of today. This is a precious
resource, more valuable than our minerals and oil. But he warned us
that this lung runs the risk of getting infected by the double virus
of materialism and religious fanaticism. In its determination to
preserve our spiritual patrimony, against all attacks and
infections, the Synod calls for ever greater ecumenical
collaboration with our brothers and sisters of other Christian
traditions. We also look forward to more dialogue and cooperation
with Muslims, the adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR)
and people of other faiths.
39. Religious fanaticism is spreading all over the world. It is
causing havoc in many parts of Africa. From our traditional
religious culture, Africans have imbibed a deep sense of God, the
Creator. They have brought this into their conversion to
Christianity and Islam. When this religious fervour is misdirected
by fanatics or manipulated by politicians, conflicts are provoked
that tend to engulf everyone. But under proper direction and
leadership, religions are a strong power for good, especially for
peace and reconciliation.
40. The Synod heard the testimony of many Synod Fathers who have
successfully walked the road of dialogue with Muslims. They have
given witness to the fact that dialogue works and collaboration is
possible and often effective. The issues of reconciliation, justice
and peace generally are concerns for entire communities,
irrespective of creed. Working on the many shared values between the
two faiths, Christians and Muslims can contribute greatly towards
restoring peace and reconciliation in our nations. This has already
happened in many cases. The Synod commends these efforts and
recommends them for others.
41. Dialogue and collaboration will thrive when there is mutual
respect. We Catholic Bishops have clear guidelines for dialogue,
holding firm to our faith but leaving others to freely choose. The
Synod received good news of Islamic communities which allow the
Church freedom of worship. They also gladly welcome and benefit from
the social works of the Church. While we commend this, we insist
that this is not enough. Freedom of religion includes also freedom
to share one’s faith, to propose, not impose it, to accept and
welcome converts. Those nations which by law forbid their citizens
from embracing the Christian faith are depriving their own citizens
of their fundamental human right to freely decide on the creed to
embrace. Although this has been going on for a long time, it is time
to revisit the situation in the light of respect for fundamental
human rights. This Synod warns that such restriction of freedom
subverts sincere dialogue and frustrates genuine collaboration.
Since Christians who decide to change their religion are welcomed
into the Muslim fold, there ought to be reciprocity in this matter.
Mutual respect is the way forward. In the emerging world, we need to
make room for every faith to contribute fully to the good of
humanity.
CONCLUSION
42. Dear brothers in the episcopate, dear sons and daughters of the
Church-Family of God in Africa, all you men and women of good will
in Africa and beyond, we share with you the strong conviction of
this Synod: that Africa is not helpless. Our destiny is still in our
hands. All she is asking for is the space to breathe and thrive.
Africa is already moving; and the Church is moving with her,
offering her the light of the Gospel. The waters may be turbulent.
But with our gaze on Christ the Lord (cf. Mt 14:28-32), we shall
make it safely to the port of reconciliation, justice and peace.
43. We entrust this message and all our fervent commitments to the
maternal intercession of the Most Holy Mary, Queen of Peace and Our
Lady of Africa.
Africa, rise up, take up you pallet, and walk! (Jn 5:8)
“In the meantime, brothers,
we wish you happiness.
Try to grow perfect,
help one another.
Be united; live in peace
and the God of love
and peace will be with you.”
(2 Cor 13:11)
Amen.
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