European, African bishops gather in Rome

February 13, 2012

Representatives of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the Council of Episcopal Conferences of Europe (CCEE) are gathering at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome to discuss the theme of “Evangelization Today: Pastoral Collaboration Between Africa and Europe.”

“The relation between the Church in Africa and in Europe often has been seen as if Europe should only give to Africa money for social projects; even though we need to continue supporting Africans in this field, it cannot be limited to that,” said Father Duarte da Cunha, general secretary of the CCEE. “The main gift we have to share, from which everything else is rooted, is our faith. Africa still needs missionaries from Europe, and Europe needs to learn from the joyful faith that is alive in African communities.”

Bishops attending the meeting will be received by Pope Benedict in audience and make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Holy Face at Manoppello.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• CCEE-SECAM Symposium (CCEE)
• On February 13 the Second Symposium of the European and African Bishops opens in Rome (Fides)