SECAM Celebrates SECAM Day with a call for support

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has celebrated SECAM Day in Accra, Ghana.

SECAM is a body of African Episcopal Conferences which came about as a result of the bishops' resolution to build a continental structure that would bring forth the African vision to the whole Church for pastoral solidarity among Catholic Bishops in Africa and Madagascar.

The organisation promotes collaboration and joint action and fosters communion among the Episcopal Conferences of Africa, in their evangelizing missions as well as the promotion of integral human development.

At the celebration of SECAM Day, Most Reverend Gabriel Justice Anokye, the Archbishop of Kumasi said SECAM was founded during a meeting of Catholic Bishops in Kampala, Uganda in July 1969, when Pope Paul VI visited Africa for the first time. 

Archbishop Anokye also says SECAM comprises eight regional and 37 National Catholic Bishops’ Conferences in Africa.

According to Archbishop Anokye, SECAM has diplomatic relations with the Republic of Ghana and that SECAM was now in the process of obtaining an observer status with the African Union (AU) by way of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The Archbishop further spoke of the organisation's adopted strategic plan at its last Plenary Assembly held in Kinshasa, DR Congo from July 8 to 15, 2013: He also said SECAM was in the process of organising several Pan-Africa workshops and seminars in preparation for the celebration of the Pan-African Year of Reconciliation. SECAM has contributed to Africa in the area of social justice, governance and public policy through its Justice and Peace Commissions found in most African countries.

Mr Andy Agyekum, former board member of Ghana's Catholic Standard Newspaper, noted the good works of SECAM and called for support to SECAM and to the Church in Africa. 

Acccording to the Catholic Communication office of the Archdiocese of Accra, although SECAM Day falls on 29 July 2014, it was celebrated this year on 27 July. The Archdiocese of Accra has since urged Catholics in Ghana and in Africa to pray for the intentions of SECAM and support its activities.

Source: GNA