By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) will convene for its 20th Plenary Assembly from July 30 to August 4, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda. The 2025 conference will take place under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.”
The plenary will bring together over 250 participants, including Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands, as well as partners from other continents.
According to Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, Secretary General of SECAM, the Kigali Assembly will assess the progress made since the 19th Assembly, held in 2022 in Accra, Ghana, and chart a visionary course for the Church in Africa.
Key agenda items include the presentation of SECAM’s long-term vision document for 2025–2050, built around 12 foundational pillars such as evangelization, family leadership, youth engagement, care for creation, digital mission, and political responsibility.
The conference will also include a pastoral reflection on accompanying Catholics in complex cultural realities, including polygamous unions, and discussions on governance, justice, peace, interfaith dialogue, climate change, and safeguarding.
The Assembly will also unveil the Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and initiate the renewal of SECAM’s leadership in line with its constitution.
