Follow up to the Africa Synod message

 

 

 

Justitia et Pax The Netherlands and the Commission of Justitia et Pax in French-speaking Belgium organised a follow-up of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, which took place in October last year, in Rome. In this African-European Post-Synod exchange meeting they discussed possible actions on the recommendations of the Synod.

 

The theme of the Synod was: “The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. ‘You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world’ (Mt.5:13-14)”. Two members of European Justice and Peace network were appointed by the Holy Father as auditors in the Synod: Axelle Fischer, Secretary General of the French speaking Justice and Peace commission in Belgium, and Victor Scheffers, Secretary General of Justitia et Pax The Netherlands. Their participation in the Synod gave them an opportunity to discuss with Synod fathers, with experts and other auditors how we in Europe could respond to the important challenges posed both by the Synod Message and by the final propositions of the Synod. How could these recommendations be taken forward in a realistic manner?

 

From the introductions and the discussion that followed it became clear that Africa faces a huge challenge in the coming years, but that the African Church is up to this task as it is a mature Church with very active and competent leaders and laity. Non-Africans can (and should) provide moral support and take up issues in their own countries (and at the international level) which are hampering the progress of Africa. A very important issue is the information given to the policy-makers and the public. This information, for instance the information given by the media, should be truthful and based on facts.

 

Concrete proposals for common action on the themes of economic justice and natural resources, on transitional justice, good governance and interreligious dialogue and on migration were prepared and presented in a plenary session.