Editorial No. 1/2026: SECAM for an accountable pastoral leadership

SECAM FOR AN ACCOUNTABLE PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

(Editorial by Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, in SECAM News No. 1, January 2026)

The successful conclusion of the First Annual Standing Committee Meeting of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), held in Accra from 21 to 24 January 2026, marks a significant step in strengthening the Church’s continental mission. Bringing together presidents and vice-presidents of Africa’s eight ecclesiastical regions, the meeting affirmed unity, shared responsibility, and renewed commitment at a decisive moment in SECAM’s journey.

Describing the gathering as “timely and grace-filled,” SECAM President, His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, set the tone by linking the meeting to two pivotal moments: the 20th Plenary Assembly of Kigali in 2025 and the recent audience with Pope Leo XIV. The task ahead, he emphasized, is clear, translating vision into action. The resolutions of the Plenary Assembly and the long-term Vision 2025-2050 must now take concrete form through effective structures, transparent governance, and accountable pastoral leadership.

The Standing Committee’s deliberations reflected this resolve, addressing strategic planning, sustainable budgeting, youth evangelization, Catholic education, and governance. At the heart of these discussions lies the Synod on Synodality, whose implementation resonates deeply with Africa’s ecclesial self-understanding as the Church-Family of God, a Church called to listen, walk together, and speak prophetically amid complex realities.

This prophetic voice was also evident in SECAM’s audience with Pope Leo XIV, where African bishops presented both the continent’s challenges, poverty, insecurity, corruption, migration, and ecological crises, and its enduring hope rooted in faith, youthfulness, and rich cultural heritage. The Holy Father’s encouragement and his forthcoming pastoral visit to Africa stand as strong signs of solidarity and trust in Africa’s missionary vocation.

This momentum extends beyond SECAM’s Headquarters. The ACERAC Plenary Assembly in N’Djamena, from January 25 to February 1, 2026, marking thirty years since Ecclesia in Africa, illustrates a Church committed to reflection, synodality, and renewal. Together, these moments signal a Church in Africa that is engaging challenges with faith, courage, and hope, ready to remain missionary and to offer the Gospel as a source of reconciliation, peace, and life for the world.

Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior,

Secretary General of SECAM

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