SECAM Holds First Annual Standing Committee Meeting for 2026 in Accra

The Standing Committee of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has begun its First Annual Meeting for the year 2026 in Accra, Ghana, bringing together twenty participants including 14 bishops Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the eight ecclesiastical regions of the continent and its islands, from January, 21 to 24, 2026.

The meeting was officially opened by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, who welcomed the Bishops and members of the Standing Committee to what he described as a “timely and grace-filled” gathering.

In his opening address, Cardinal Ambongo expressed gratitude for the presence of the participants and noted that the present timing is providential, coming shortly after the first meeting of the Presidential Council and the visit of SECAM to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Continuity and renewed commitment

The SECAM President highlighted the significance of the meeting as the first Standing Committee session following the 20th Plenary Assembly, marking what he termed a “fresh start” rooted in continuity and renewed commitment. He emphasized that the resolutions and mandates of the 2025 Plenary Assembly in Rwanda must now be translated into concrete priorities, effective structures, and accountable action across the continent.

Cardinal Ambongo warmly welcomed new members attending the Standing Committee for the first time, Most Reverends Jose Manuel Imbamba from Angola (2nd Vice President), Joachim Ntahondereye (ACEAC), Charles Yava Mahuza (CEROI), Sarrio Cucarella Diego Ramon (CERNA) and Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda (IMBISA). He also paid tribute to outgoing members for their service, wisdom, and sacrifices in strengthening SECAM and the unity of the Church in Africa.

Implementation of Synodality

Situating the meeting within the wider ecclesial context, the Cardinal underscored the importance of the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality. He reaffirmed that synodality resonates deeply with the African understanding of the Church as the Family of God, calling for deeper communion, shared responsibility, and missionary effectiveness among bishops, clergy, religious, and laity.

Reflecting on the realities of the African continent, Cardinal Ambongo acknowledged the many signs of hope, including vibrant faith communities, strong family life, and the dynamism of young people. At the same time, he drew attention to serious challenges facing Africa, such as armed conflicts, insecurity, forced displacement, poverty, unemployment, governance crises, and the growing ecological emergency. He stressed that the Church must remain a prophetic and credible voice in defending human dignity, promoting peace and reconciliation, and accompanying vulnerable communities.

The Standing Committee is working on key agenda items, including the review of the SECAM Strategic Plan based on the orientations of SECAM Vision 2025-2050, the adoption of the budget with an emphasis on transparency and sustainability, the strengthening of youth evangelization and leadership, the promotion of Catholic education and formation within the framework of the African Pact on Education, and the follow-up on statutory and governance matters. “These are demanding matters that require not only discussion, but decisions and implementation,” the SECAM President stated.

SECAM Communication’s Office