CARDINAL AMBONGO OF AFRICA RALLYING ALL AFRICAN BISHOPS

 

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF SECAM TO THE PRESIDENTS OF CONFERENCES

EPISCOPALS OF AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR ON THE DECLARATION “FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS”

Your Excellencies, Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences, 

On December 18, 2024, the Dicastery for Doctrine and Faith published the Declaration "Fiducia Supplicans" on the pastoral meaning of blessings, in which is mentioned, among other things, the blessing of "couples of the same sex". The ambiguity of this declaration, which lends itself to numerous interpretations and manipulations, arouses much perplexity among the faithful and I believe that, as pastors of the Church in Africa, we must express ourselves clearly on this issue in order to give clear direction to our Christians. 

Thus, in the context of the synodal process that the Church is currently going through, and with particular reference to chapter 19 of the "Synthesis of the first session of the Synod on synodality", which underlines the crucial role of Episcopal Conferences and Continental organizations in the safeguarding of the faith and culture of peoples, in order to avoid the risk of uniformity and centralism: "The first phase of the synodal process highlighted the decisive role of the Bishops' Conferences and highlighted the need for a body of synodality and collegiality at the continental level. The organizations working at these levels contribute to the exercise of synodality while respecting local realities and inculturation processes. 

The Assembly is convinced that the risk of uniformity and centralism in the governance of the Church could thus be avoided” (Summary report of the first session of the Synod on synodality, chap. 19, d), I write to you, Excellencies My Lords, to ask your opinion on the aforementioned Declaration of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, so that we can draft a single synodal declaration, valid for the entire Church from Africa. Once received the opinions of all Episcopal Conferences, SECAM will be able to issue a pastoral statement on the subject, which will serve as a general guideline for all local Churches on our continent.

 To this end, I would be grateful if you would send the SECAM General Secretariat your opinion before the start of the secondfortnight of January. May the Yes of Mary, who merited the gift of salvation for the whole world, teach us to welcome the Word of God, the Word made flesh, so that we too can bring salvation to themen of our time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024.

Faithfully yours in Christ Jesus.

Fridolin Cardinal AMBONGO

Archbishop of Kinshasa

President of SECAM