The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar is convening for its 20th Plenary Assembly from July 30 to August 4, 2025, with polygamous marriages set to dominate the discussions.
The traditional church values on matrimony seem to be currently under threat as the world embark on modernism. Observers believe that unless this is checked, family statuses will also be destroyed.
But the episcopal conference, coming up in East Africa, is out to address this.
To be held in the Kigali City of Rwanda, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) runs under the theme of ‘Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.’
The religious plenary brings together more than 250 participants, including Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands.
The episcopal meeting will also be attended by partners from other continents.
The Kigali Episcopal Assembly will be assessing the progress made since the 19th Conference which was held in 2022 in Accra, Ghana, and chart a visionary course for the Church in Africa.
Some of the key agenda items include the presentation of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)’s long-term vision document for 2025–2050.
The vision is built around 12 foundational pillars such as evangelization, family leadership, youth engagement, care for creation, digital mission, and political responsibility.
A pastoral reflection on accompanying Catholics in complex cultural realities, including polygamous unions, are among the issues to be raised at the Kigali gathering.
Delegates will also carry on 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 the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar’s leadership in line with its constitution.