AMECEA NEWS

The State President of Malawi Professor Peter Mutharika said that he expects support from the clerics as he discharges his duty of serving God’s people in the country.

Professor Mutharika was speaking during the meeting with the with a group of Clerics at Kamuzu Palace in the Capital Lilongwe on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

“You and I are people sanctioned by God in different ways. If you support me and I support you, we will serve our God better,” said the President.

The President said that, Politics and religion are not in contradiction because both church and State share the common duty of serving God’s children and that he expects the support of the Clerics in a number of dimensions.

Speaking at the meeting, His Grace Thomas Msusa who led the delegation commended President Mutharika for his love for dialogue with different stakeholders including the clerics as demonstrated in that meeting.

The clerics asked the President to be focused on issues as he leads the country especially in critical moments.

The meeting saw over 20 religious leaders from the Christian and Muslim communities share insights with the President.

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

The State President of Malawi Professor Peter Mutharika said that he expects support from the clerics as he discharges his duty of serving God’s people in the country.

Professor Mutharika was speaking during the meeting with the with a group of Clerics at Kamuzu Palace in the Capital Lilongwe on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

The Diocese of Chipata is set to begin the construction of a nursing school at Lumezi Mission Hospital in Lundazi District (Eastern Province of Zambia), next month.

Chipata Diocese Health Coordinator Fr. Samuel Phiri has revealed that some funds have already been sourced from Parishioners and other people of good will within Chipata Diocese (which covers the entire eastern province of Zambia) towards the construction of the Nursing school.

“The idea for the church to build a Nursing school came as a result of a numerous calls from people within the diocese and it will be built to help school leavers in Eastern Province of Zambia who are interested in training as nurses”, Father Phiri said adding that a go ahead from the Zambia’s General Nursing Council has already been given.

He further indicated that the community from within, where the nursing school is planned for has enthusiastically started molding bricks for the construction of the health tertiary institution.

According to Father Phiri the Nursing school is expected to be completed in 2018 and will be offering a 3-year diploma course in Registered Nursing.

By Mwenya Mukuka; ZEC, Communication Office

Zambia will host the Pan African Pioneer Congress on the Alcohol Abstinence in Lusaka from 21st to 27th August, 2017.

According to the National Director of the Association in Zambia, Fr Charles Searson, SJ the congress is expected to attract Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus delegates from African countries where the association is active and for people in those countries who are interested in reducing alcohol related harm.

“The delegates of the Congress will come from Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and the host Country-Zambia,” he said adding that “We shall discuss alcohol related harm as you know there is too much harmful related alcohol consumption in Africa. Actually in the world, Zambian women top in beer drinking at 41.2% according to 2014 WHO statistics which is very worrying.”

Logo Pioneer Total Abstinence
Association of the Sacred Heart

“We want to address this issue with the sacred heart of Jesus. We shall also speak prophetically to the government of Zambia so that the draft Alcohol Policy is actualised if by next year August it will not be in place” he said.

Fr Searson also said other delegates will be drawn from schools, health sector and other spheres of society that are concerned and want to address the harms of alcohol consumption.

The 2017 Pan African Pioneer Congress on the harms of Alcohol consumption will be held under the theme; Working together to make Africa sober.

Pan African Pioneer Congress on the harms of Alcohol consumption in Africa was last held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2014.

Fr Searson, has expressed worry at the way Alcohol is being sold in Zambia. He said, “The laws are there but the government is not regulating this development. You can buy beer by the road side at any time.” He wished that there could be some regulations on how Alcohol can be sold in the country.

Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Catholic Association of Laity, Religious and Priests. It has been in Zambia since 1958 and is approved both by the Zambia Episcopal Conference and by the eleven dioceses in Zambia with the primary of inviting the general public to sobriety and temperance in the consumption of alcohol.

The Pioneer members take on themselves four commitments first, to pray twice daily for the conversion of excessive drinkers; second to make this prayer concrete by offering to God total abstinence from alcohol for life; thirdly to make it public and as an encouragement for others to openly wearing the pioneer pin and the last one to educate adults, youth and children about the dangers of alcohol by going to schools, Parishes, Small Christian Communities and by means of the media.

By Mwenya Mukuka, ZEC Communications Office.

The New Logo for Zambia Conference
of Catholic Bishops

The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has rebranded to Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) and launched its 2017-2026 strategic plan on, Friday 15th July, 2016.

Speaking during the event, ZCCB President Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu said that the rebranding aims at making the church relevant to the present time.

Commenting on the launch of the ZCCB 2017-2026 strategic plan, the President said that the conference will not achieve its purpose unless the Holy Spirit is involved.

Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu

His Grace Mpundu added that the ZCCB strategic plan has come about timely in view of making the Catholic Church in the country more relevant according to needs of the people today.

“The Lord says that if we build without him, we build in vain, and therefore as Christians we should involve Christ in all we do. This strategic plan will make the church more relevant in social, political and economic issues,” he said.

He added that the 2017-2026 strategic plan is a sacred document because of its mission of taking the Gospel to the whole world as Jesus Christ commanded.

“This document will help the Church spread the Gospel intelligently and shall be a Road Map with the help of the Holy Spirit,”he said.

The ZCCB President further appealed to the lay faithful, the clergy, religious and all people of good will to help the Bishops of Zambia achieve what is contained in the strategic plan.

The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) was established in 1965. The statutes of the conference were approved by the Holy See on April 2, 1984. The ZEC is a member of the association of member episcopal conferences in eastern Africa (AMECEA) and symposium of episcopal conferences and of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops will issue a pastoral statement on the state of the nation as Zambia elects a new president on Sunday. The issuance of the Pastoral Letter will be done in Chipata Diocese.

By Mwenya Mukuka. ZCCB Communications Office

The Association Member of Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) is Saddened by the tragic consequences of the violence which occurred in Juba from the evening of 7^{th July}, 2016 which has claimed over 100 lives and rendered thousands of innocent people homeless.

Echoing the message of the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.” (GS 1). Our brothers and sisters in the Republic of South Sudan, require our support for them to continue living a dignified life.

In the spirit of solidarity, we, Catholic Bishops in the AMECEA region condemn all acts of violence without exception. Fighting for whatever reason is an act of unjustifiable evil. To all people of good will, let us beg for the strength to resist the hatred that blinds us to our common humanity.

The fundamental message of Sacred Scripture proclaims that the human person is a creature of God (cf. Ps 139:14-18), and sees in his being, the image of God, the element that characterizes and distinguishes him: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Gen 1:27). God places the human creature at the centre and summit of the created order. As such, the human individual possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something, but someone. Therefore, we must strive to preserve life by all means.

We are encouraged by all voices that have called for calm and an end to fighting. We add our voices to theirs and urge all soldiers and civilians to refrain from all actions that can ignite and escalate the situation.

Let us pray for the comfort of everyone affected and that all concerned members take peaceful dialogue as the only viable way of ending conflict.

Be assured of our prayers during these difficult and tempting moments.

May God Bless

+H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel

Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Chairman AMECEA

13 July 2016

The Association Member of Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) is crying with the People of the Republic of South Sudan following the tragic consequences of the violence which occurred in Juba from the evening of 7^{th July}, 2016 and claimed over 100 lives.

H.E. Berhaneysus D.
Cardinal Souraphiel

In a solidarity message issued on 13^th July by the Chairman of AMECEA, H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel stated that, in the spirit of solidarity the AMECEA condemns all acts of violence without exception. “Fighting for whatever reason is an act of unjustifiable evil. To all people of good will, let us beg for the strength to resist the hatred that blinds us to our common humanity,” read part of the statement.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus called for calm and an end to fighting as he asked the Conferences in the region to continue praying for peace for South Sudan and in the Continent.

Speaking to AMECEA Online Newsfrom Juba recently, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro said that the people in Juba were recovering from the trauma which claimed many lives and left thousands displaced. Bishop Hiiboro was on his way to Wau, as a delegate of the Conference to the solidarity visit to the diocese. However, he could not make it to Wau because of eruption of the violence in Juba, the place where he made a stopover.

Bishop Hiiboro said that many people fled to Church premises and schools for safety, something which created congestion. There were also some who took refuge to UN facilities. “At least now things are returning to normal. Some of the thugs took advantage of the violence to loot,” he said adding that, “at least we are grateful that AMECEA is in solidarity with us; may you continue praying with us so that peace return again in our country.”

By AMECEA Online News Reporter

Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) has challenged the media to effectively report on resilience policies to help the nation adapt and respond to impacts of climate change.

Speaking in Salima during a two day workshop for journalists drawn from several media houses theCADECOM national programmes coordinator, Yusuf Mkungula said that media has a key role in raising awareness of resilience policies and also ensuring that such policies are translated on the ground.

Participants to the workshop-pix by Prince Henderson

“Actually we want to inform you media practitioners about climate change issues for your effective advocacy hence equip you with information and knowledge on right to development and Right to food and other related policies,” said Mkungula.

He said there are some policy gaps, hence the need for government and other stakeholders to consider addressing them.

Mkungula added that, currently, the national agriculture policy is in draft form whereas the National Disaster Risk Management (DRM) policy was approved last year, but its implementation is yet to take off.

“The Right to Food Bill was drafted in 2006 but it to be tabled in parliament. The bill is now being revised by the consultants and it has been renamed as Food and Nutrition bill. We hope this will be finalised and get tabled,” said Mkungula.

Journalist Ephraim Nyondo of Nation Publications Limited (NPL), who participated in the workshop, hailed the workshop as an eye opener to various climate change related policies in the country. He added it is difficult to inform the public without understanding the subject matter. For now, he further said, it will be easy to follow up the policies both those in draft form and those already approved and passed.

CADECOM which is a relief and development arm of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) is implementing a project aimed at increasing food security and resilience to climate shocks for 1250 households in Malawi with funding from UKaid through TROCAIRE.

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer.

Power struggle in Africa has on many occasions been attributed to dictatorships and resources. The resources, which have been deemed as our curse, are natural resources found mainly within our soils. They include, precious metal and stones, oil and gas, other extractives and in a lot of cases the mostly forgotten plants and trees which are utilized for producing various products. In a broader sense, we also should consider wildlife as part of the natural resources, which are becoming part of our conflict.

Looking at the power struggles, going on in our region, there is a force that is rarely discussed and this is the hidden force of individual economic power. This is what I can call the Unseen Power.

A lot has been said of the issues around political leaders and their insurmountable desire to perpetuate their rule. Nothing seems to be said of the non-politicians who ensure that the politicians remain in power and are in most cases more ruthless than the politicians. This is a phenomenon around the world and a lot of leaders are said to be under the influence of particular groups. Even in the current ongoing debate in the USA, it is said that Hillary Clinton is under the influence of the Washington power brokers. The Unseen Power.

Coming closer home, we have seen the so-called dictatorships being perpetuated to stay in power by “external” forces. In most cases, I dare say that these external forces are only external to the political class but not necessarily from across the borders. The Unseen Power.

If we look at the recent case of South Sudan with the President and Vice President being caught unawares by their “supporters”, it is clear that there is a strong hand of “power brokers” working in the background. The Unseen Power.

In most cases, this is the real power. It is time we started recognizing and dialoguing with this real power. On many occasions this power does not appear in public and neither does it take blame for consequences of violence. It holds nations and heads of states ransom. It is ruthless and the concern of the common citizen is not anywhere in its vocabulary. It has persons driven purely by greed. These are the forces the Holy Father speaks of in “Laudato Si”, who by over exploiting will lead us to war. Francis writes, "It is foreseeable that, once certain resources have been depleted, the scene will be set for new wars.". Unfortunately we might already be too late. Resource and personal wealth related wars are already with us.

What is being witnessed in South Sudan and some of the other African countries symptoms of a more chronic problem. It is the lack of available formal employment in countries where resources might be in abundance but not well distributed. It is the ideal operating environment of Unseen Powers. Powers that ensure political systems do not stabilize so that they can continue gaining individually. It is the type of environment, which does not allow for Unseen Powers to seed control due to uncertainty.

I believe it is a high time we shed a light on these Unseen Powers. It is time we brought them to the discussion table so as to end the bloodshed we are witnessing in the region. It is time we accepted the Unseen Power, does have Power.

-End-

Bishop Rt Rev. Charles Kasonde

Catholic Diocese of Solwezi Bishop Rt Rev. Charles Kasonde called on farmers to apply techniques that are sustainable and helpful to the environment and reduce risk of deforestation.

The Bishop’s message was read by his Vicar General, the very Rev. Fr.Neal Mulyata during the launch of Agro forest project to help address environmental challenges.

Rt. Rev. Kasonde who also resounded Pope Francis’ call on care for environment in his Encyclical; Laudatu SI, issued in May, 2016 said this when Caritas-Solwezi and International Voluntary Services (SVI) rolled out Agroforest project in Mutanda and Matebo area of Solwezi Diocese.

Bishop Kasonde said Pope Francis in his Encyclical reminds the church to acknowledge the urgency of mitigating the environmental challenges being faced in the world.

The Pope calls for deep reflection on all points of human activities at the level of individual choice or in Public Square. The need for urgent action is clear and he appeals to be aware of what is happening to the world and to grow in solidarity, responsibility and compassionate care.

“So it is a personal decision which we need to make and also realize that what we do to the land today will affect the land for the next generation. So it is our responsibility to avoid contributing to the culture of exploitation” Bishop Kasonde said.

By Mwenya Mukuka, ZCCB Communications Officer

Radicalization of young people into terrorist activities has become an international phenomenon and a concern for everybody. Unemployment, poverty and political marginalization are some of the contributing factors to the Islamic radicalization of youth people in the region; a situation in which according to reports experts say must be addressed through economic empowerment and inclusive policies.

Members of SIGNIS Jury and
Director and lead actor of the Film 'Watatu'

It is upon this backdrop that SIGNIS Jury at Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) 2016 awarded the SIGNIS Prize to Watatu, a film directed by Nick Reding and depicts the problem of youth radicalization in the Kenyan Coastal city of Mombasa. Watatuis a Swahili word meaning three and it revolves around three personalities caught up in conflict. The three include; Salim, a Muslim chicken vender, his friend Jack a Christian and a police officer and Yusuf, Salim’s nephew who is a graduate and is jobless.

The film made by Kenyan’s leading art for social change organization-SAFE Kenya examines the rise of radicalization amongst young Muslims in the Kenyan Coastal city of Mombasa. Part drama, part documentary the film brings out the realities youth radicalization and painful loss of life due to terrorism activities.

Film emphasizes on the fact youth radicalization are often funded by rich people who use young men who have anger issues to fight their own religious wars and also use these desperate young people as their foot soldiers. Watatuencourages young people to articulate their issues through the right channels that would ensure harmony in the society for instance putting to task elected leaders and representatives such as governors, senators and members of local assembly so that issue affecting the you such as massive unemployment can be adequately addressed.

During the same event, held in the island of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago of Tanzania the SIGNIS Jury awarded the SIGNIS East Africa Talent Award to the film A Place for Myself, a 21 minutes documentary film Directed by Clementine Dusabejambo from Rwanda. The film depicts the life of a five year girl with albinism who upon joining elementary school faces the reality of her being different. Due to her skin color her classmates make her realize that being ‘different’ is more a problem than a special trait. When her neighbors back home treats her as a stereotype, her mother encourages her. Together they fight back and raise their voice to find a place for themselves in the society that is characterized with stigma and stereotype.

ZIFF is East Africa’s largest film festival, where each year, some of the most captivating and cutting-edge cinema from Africa and beyond is screened in venues across the island. From world-premiers to local shorts, the festival showcases the highest quality film from all over the world. Films are submitted based on a yearly theme – this year is was this journey of ours. The festival ran from 8^thto 17^th July.

SIGNIS is a World Catholic Association for Communication officially recognized by the Vatican and includes members from 140 countries. The Association organizes SIGNIS, Ecumenical or Interfaith juries in more than 30 film festivals around the world, including Cannes, Berlin, Venice and ZIFF among others.

The SIGNIS Jury's decisions at ZIFF were based on the following Criteria: Artistic Quality, Message of the Gospel and Human Values, Universal Impact, Inventive Expression and finally Usage for ministries.

The SIGNIS Jury for ZIFF 2016 included Pamela Adinda from AMECEA Secretariat (Kenya), Fr. Andrew Kaufa, Director of Luntha TV (Malawi) and Ms. Barbara Brugmans coordinator of Afrika Filmfestival (Belgium).

By AMECEA Online News Correspondent

Bishop Emeritus of Torit Catholic Diocese,
Bishop Paride Taban

The Bishop Emeritus of Torit Catholic Diocese, Bishop Paride Taban gives a message of none violence and peace as he celebrates his 80^thBirthday.

Bishop Taban, who is also a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Bishop, is mostly known for the Holy Trinity Peace Village which he founded in Kuron, South Sudan, in 2005.

As he celebrates his 80^th Birthday, his message remain that of none violence and Peace, “Violence should be avoided, Violence cannot solve our problems, Violence gives birth to violence and not Peace,” reads part of his message.

Read the whole version of his letter below

MY 80TH BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FROM HOLY TRINITY PEACE VILLAGE AND PEACE ACADEMY IN KURON IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN 2016. THE JUBILEE YEAR

My dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace be with you. I give you this massage as I celebrate my 80th birth day in Bujumbura and Burundi, while spreading the message of good news on nonviolence and peace. Thank you for your spiritual and physical support.

WHAT IS LIFE?

Life is a curve. It is a mystery. We must continue to explore, improving the curve of life throughout, discovering, learning and strengthening our knowledge in prayer. I will continue to try doing this, even now after my 80th birthday.

Empires, governments, Kingdoms and powers last for some years: Twenty years, a hundred years. The same for human life on Earth; Human suffering, human mistakes, all these will pass away. We shall carry nothing with us from this world. Only God is Eternal.

Let us as Human being, learn from the curve of life, learn from nature, and let us learn from God. Let us learn from Savior Jesus Christ who said, "Heaven and Earth will pass away but my Words will not pass away." Jesus words, "Love one another as I have loved you.

“May they be one as I and the Father are one." We human beings have to respect, understand and accept that we do not know everything. We all of us are learners. We should not judge others.

God is the answer to everything in our life. We have to continue respecting, protecting, strengthening and perfecting Life. God created human being for this purpose.

Violence should be avoided.

Violence cannot solve our problems.

Violence gives birth to violence and not to PEACE.

We pray for the unknown and for what is beyond our human capacity. Only God is eternally perfect, He is the one who knows all things and who lasts forever. Let us love one another as God loves us. Let us stop killing human beings for POWER and for the WORLDLY WEALTH.

We are SONS and DAUGHTERS of GOD. Forgiveness and mercy are the only way to PEACEFULL COEXISTENCE. Forgiveness does not have an end, as long as we human
beings exist in this world. We must continue forgiving one another. Pope Francis said on his visit to Nairobi and to Kampala last year in 2015. "Replace Revenge with forgiveness and replace Hatred with Love." We must continue to sow the seeds of nonviolence and PEACE
in our hearts. Leadership is being Servants, Stewards and Good Shepherds.

Why Holy Trinity peace Village in Kuron is called a peace Academy?

These are my 28 words which made Holy Trinity Peace Village to become a peace Academy which should make each one of us to become a peacemaker: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, COMPASSION, SYMPATHY, KINDNESS, TRUTHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL.HUMILITY, POVERTY, FORGIVENESS, MERCY,
FRIENDSHIP, TRUST, UNITY, PURITY, FAITH and HOPE.

These are twenty: the other eight are:

I LOVE YOU, I MISS YOU, THANK YOU, I FORGIVE, WE FORGET, TOGETHER, lAM WRONG, I AM SORRY. Truly, I tell you, living among ourselves in the spirit of these twenty eight words, we can bring lasting peace to the whole world.

Thank you for your prayers and happy birthday wishes for my 80^th Year Birthday. YOUNG in my heart Any donation offered for my 80th birthday. I shall use planting Teak and Fruit Trees
for the sustainable future of HOLY TRINITY PEACE VILLAGE in KURON.

ZCCB Acting Secretary General,
Fr. Justin Matepa

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has joined other organizations in calling for peace in Zambia as the country goes to the polls on 11, August, 2016.

ZCCB has since taken part in the peace march in Lusaka, Zambia from the Embassy Park to the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Addressing the gathering, ZCCB Acting Secretary General Fr. Justin Matepa urged the people to walk for Peace. Father Matepa noted that there is need for people to strive together and strengthen peace in the nation, adding that there is no comfort zone when tyranny and lawlessness engulfs the country.

And making reference to biblical prophet Micah (Micah 6: 8), Fr. Matepa said the prophet’s message profoundly and practically invites and challenges people to an authenticated interaction within the communities.

A photo of the participants in the peace walk

And speaking at the same event, Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) representative Bishop Peter Mulenga appealed to politicians to examine their commitment and attitude towards national peace.

And the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Linda Kasonde said that there should be no room for violence in Zambia. Ms. Kasonde added that love, unity, intolerance and generosity must be embraced by all Zambians.

Zambia has had political cadre violence and has seen political supporters clashing with the police resulting in the loss of lives in some instances as the country goes to the polls. This development caused the Electoral Commission of Zambia suspending political campaigns in Lusaka city and Namwala town of Southern province for some days.

The 19th July Peace march was attended by representatives from Law Association of Zambia, Council of Churches in Zambia, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Non-government Organization Coordinating Council and other organizations.

By Mwenya Mukuka, ZCCB Communications Officer

H.E Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel
Chairman of AMECEA

The Chairman of AMECEA H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel led the AMECEA delegation to the 17^th Plenary Assembly to the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) that is on-going in Luanda, Angola.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus who is also the Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is accompanied by his Vice Chairman, Most Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa, Archbishop of Blantyre, Malawi and Secretary General of AMECEA Rev. Fr Ferdinand Lugonzo to the meeting which started on 18 July 2016.

Other delegates from AMECEA member Conferences include the Bishops and Secretaries General.

The theme of the Plenary is “Family life in Africa yesterday, today and tomorrow: in the light of the Gospel.

Reports from Angola states that the Vice President of Angola, Ing. Manuel Vicente, who was present at the opening of the meeting, called for a closer collaboration and cooperation between the Church and State for the building of a more just and morally upright society.

The Vice President of Angola, Ing. Manuel Vicente

According to the Press Release from the Communications Office of SECAM on the 17^th Plenary Assembly, the Vice-President stressed the need for the two bodies to condemn violence, the abuse of children, immorality and other vices in society and the family.

About 150 participants comprising of Cardinals; Bishops; Secretaries General of National and Regional Episcopal Conferences in Africa; Resource Persons; representatives of Partner Agencies and other Continental Episcopal Conferences are attending the Assembly.

The Press release from the communication office further reported that, the Assembly that will be ending on the 25 July is expected to conclude with the adoption of Resolutions, recommendations, a final message and a Communiqué.

By Sr. Immaculate Tusingwire, MMS,

AMECEA Online News

More than 160 religious Sisters from 10 African countries are expected to gather for a two-day conference organized by Conrad Hilton Foundation at Sarova Panafrica, Nairobi Kenya, on Monday 17 October, this Year.

Speaking to AMECEA Online News this week in Nairobi, Sr. Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, Program Director, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation said that, the conference which goes by the theme: The Secret to Sustainable Development in Africa, expects other stake holders and international partners for development from around the world in order to discuss some development issues.

Sr. Rosemarie Nassif, SSND
Program Director,
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

According to Sr. Rosemarie, the conference which will begin by the Eucharist celebration on the opening day, will also be graced by the presence of Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Most Rev Charles Daniel Balvo and the first Lady of Kenya Her excellency Margaret Kenyatta.

She said that a number of partners have already confirmed their participation to the conference. “Our aim is to deliberate together with other partner on how we can work together for the development of Africa,” she said adding that “other financial institutions and private sectors like Non-government organizations have also been invited.”

During the conference, the Sisters participating will have a chance to share their opportunities and obstacles and probably strategize together on the way forward.

Sr. Rosemarie said that the President and the Vice President of the Foundation will attend the conference. “Participating Sisters will also have an opportunity to display different items from the fruits of their own hands……

The first day of the conference is expected to cover: The place of Catholic sisters in the Global Partnership for Human Development under whichthe five facilitators will discuss; ASEC and The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation: An Appreciation and the Road Ahead, The Emergence of the Global Sisterhood, The Role of Religious in Social Change, What Sustainable Development is and the Sustainable Development Goals and the goals to Indicators: Evaluating and Visualizing Impact.

Day two which will be the 18^thof October will focus on: The place of other actors in the Global partnership for Human Development.

Sr. Rosemarie together with Peter Laugharm, president and CEO, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation will be the main facilitators for Day Two and are expected to discuss; A Theory of the Foundation and of African Development, How to think like a Donor, Collaborative Exercise: “Think Big, Act Big, Dream Big” and What remains Unsaid / A Call to Action.

By Sr. Immaculate Tusingwire, MMS,

AMECEA Online News

Different Religious Leaders who attended the gathering

It has emerged that different religions can contribute more towards the fight against terrorism, building and strengthening national unity, if they embrace the correct interpretation of the religious teachings .

These were the sentiments of members of the Conference of Religious Leaders on terrorism, who noted that one of the factors contributing to acts of terrorism is the wrong interpretation of the verses of the sacred books.

Rt. Rev. Renatus Nkwande, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese Bunda Speaking during the gathering of different religious leaders in the country, explained that various religious leaders have to focus on providing instruction and correct interpretation of Scripture in order to build awareness among believers rather than forcing them to understand the extent of their personal views.

"There are strange teachings given by some religious leaders to believer that does not contribute to the growth of spirituality. We as religious leaders should emphasize and teach what is found in Scriptures. Let us not rather let our way of live and our action inspire others to live godly lives," explained Bishop Nkwande.

Speaking at the same function Dar-es-Salaam General Sheikh Dar Alhad Mussa Salum said that life without peace is worthless. He explained that one of the reasons why cases of terrorism are rampant is the perversion of the pure teachings of Islam, noting that Islam is a religion of peace and not terrorism.

He explained that life is a gift from God, and the preservation of life is one of the intentions of the Islamic Religion.

"The life of one man is equal to the life of all people. Human life is very valuable and man is commanded to respect and value all human life including their own. Therefore terrorism is unacceptable in Islam, and is often brought about by various reasons including political, administrative, injustice and impunity, poverty and despair, as well as the fabrication of proper teaching of Islam," he said.

He added that difference in religion is God's plan, but human dignity and respect of the individual must be protected by all.

Meanwhile the government has called upon religious leaders to exercise their mandate of peace keeping in the society and to strengthen the National unity.

Speaking at the same forum, Interior Minister Mr. Mwigulu Nchemba asked religious leaders to continue supporting the government in fighting crime because religious leaders are important in the community and their presence facilitates the work undertaken by the Ministry of Interior in particular in maintaining peace and security. He urged them to continue praying for the National.

By Pascal Mwanache TEC

A cross section of Catholics in the country, have expressed satisfaction over the introduction of the New Catholic Answer Bible currently being promoted by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) through its Pastoral Directorate.

Vice President Dr. Saulosi Chilima is the promotional ambassador for this Catholic new answer bible and has since been to St. Patricks, area 18 and St. Kizito, Chigoneka Catholic Parishes in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

Marketing Officer for the project, Sydonia Dzikolidaya said that, the promotion team will visit Limbe Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Blantyre this Sunday, 31^st July, 2016.

“The promotion drive of this Catholic New Answer Bible is ongoing and we intend to reach out to as many parishes in the country as possible. We appreciate how the faithful have welcomed this bible so far,” she said.

Commenting through I am a Catholic and I am proud Facebook page, Catherine Nyangulu wrote “We have bought this bible. The words from the bible tell us the truth. Let us all read bible, singing…”

Another Catholic Christian from Blantyre Archdiocese said that the new Bible is a welcome development considering that many Catholics seem not to know much about the basic doctrines of the Catholic faith.

“I welcome this indeed and hope it will be nationwide. Many people are looking forward to having it and I have heard from those who already have a copy that they find it timely considering the many false teachings about the Catholic Church.”

The Vice President Hon. Saulos Chilima while promoting the Bible at one of the Parishes in Lilongwe said that the Bible is unique as it addresses questions that often times Catholics are confronted with especially by the Protestants.

The Bibles are selling at K25, OOO (US Dollar 35) for the ones that have a leather cover and K15, 000 (US Dollar 25) for the ordinary cover. The Bible is currently available only in English and plans to have it translated in the local languages are underway.

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

Uganda has received thirty thousand refugees in just three weeks and reception facilities are overflowing.

The new influx of South Sudan refugees is a huge burden to the government to provide social services to them, Titus Jogo, Ugandan Prime Minister’s Refugee official, told IRIN.

He added that Ugandan government is looking for additional resources to provide them with medical care, water, shelter and other basic necessities.

More than 30 thousand South Sudanese crossed into Uganda as of 24 July, fleeing fighting in the country between government troops and forces loyal to Dr Riek Machar.

Humanitarian agencies say the influx has severely enlarged the resources and capacity of refugee collection points, transit and reception centres in the north western Uganda.

By early December 2015, Uganda had become home to almost 511, thousand refugees and asylum seekers, making it the third largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, after Ethiopia and Kenya.

Meanwhile General Taban Deng Gai took oath of office on Tuesday as the First Vice President in the Transitional Government of National Unity, replacing Dr Riek Machar.

President Salva Kiir in his inaugural address calls for correction of mistakes that brought war after signing the agreement for people of South Sudan to remain in peace, Radio Bakhita reports.

In his acceptance speech, Gai claims that he stepped in as the leader of the SPLM-IO to fill a vacuum created by Dr. Machar’s absence to save South Sudan.

Taban Deng Gai, was a former chief negotiator of the SPLM-IO in the peace talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and became Minister of Mining.

He was endorsed as head of the SPLM-IO by a faction of senior party members in Juba, but Dr. Machar’s supporters say the move was illegal.

Source: CRN

Rt. Rev. Telesphore Mpundu, President
of ZCCB and Archbishop of Lusaka

Most Rev. Telesphore George Mpundu, President of Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has expressed his disappointment at how the environment has been neglected by Zambians and the world at large.

The Archbishop of Lusaka has since called on Zambians to change their attitude towards the environment and nature at large. He was speaking during the on-going Pastoral Council Meeting of the Archdiocese, an annual event for all Pastoral Agents in the Archdiocese of Lusaka.

Archbishop Mpundu encouraged every Zambian to care for the environment by maintaining cleanliness in families, communities and the country at large, adding that cleanliness is next to Godliness.

“People need to play a role in preserving nature as nature speaks about God's strength, love and might. Also parents, you must teach children the importance of nurturing the environment in order to have a clean and green nation,” He said.

The Archbishop has since encouraged tree planting in communities and following of the Law on burning bush fires.

By Mwenya Mukuka, Communications Officer ZCCB

Left is Rt. Rev Dominic Kimengich and on the right is
Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina of Muranga Diocese

The Catholic faithful and Kenyans at large have been encouraged to utilize this Year of Mercy to reconcile and heal the wounds that the nation has suffered.

Speaking during the National Liturgy convention at Little Daughters of St. Joseph in Nairobi, The Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for Liturgy and the Bishop of Lodwar Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich said that, Pope Francis has provided a good opportunity for people to forgive one another. “The Year of Mercy is relevant in our country today. There are many challenges and wounds to heal. It is time to integrate the people and live together.” he said.

Bishop Kimengich urged the religious and the clergy to extend God’s compassion through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, burying the dead, giving alms to the poor, instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently.

Group photo of participants during the National Liturgy Convention.

He also challenged individuals to seek indulgence by confessing their sins and go through the doors of mercy which have been opened in different dioceses and parishes across the country “Tap into graces and blessings and ensure you are prepared spiritually to receive God’s forgiveness.” He advised.

The Year of Mercy was announced by the Holy Father Pope Francis late last year. It is an extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy is a Roman Catholic period of prayer held from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), 2015, to the Feast of Christ the King (November 20), 2016. Like previous jubilees, it is seen by the Church as a period for remission of sins and universal pardon focusing particularly on God's forgiveness and mercy.

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications KCCB

MALAWI: President Peter Mutharika asks for support from the Clerics

MALAWI: President Peter Mutharika asks for support from the Clerics

ZAMBIA: Chipata Diocese to Construct a Nursing School

ZAMBIA: Pan African Alcohol Abstinence to be held in the Country next year

ZAMBIA: ZEC is rebranded to ZCCB

AMECEA: Message of Solidarity with the People of the Republic of South Sudan

KENYA: AMECEA Cries with the People of the Republic of South Sudan

MALAWI: Champion resilience policies, CADECOM tells media

AMECEA: The Unseen Power: A Commentary by Antony Mbandi; Coordinator for AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department

ZAMBIA: Bishop Kasonde’s message to farmers during the launch of Agro forest project to help address environmental challenges

TANZANIA: SIGNIS Awards a film highlighting the problem of youth radicalization at Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) 2016

SOUTH SUDAN: MESSAGE OF PEACE AS BISHOP TABAN CELEBRATES HIS 80th BIRTHDAY

ZAMBIA: ZCCB Joins in Marching For Peace

ANGOLA: AMECEA Participates in the 17th Plenary Assembly of SECAM

KENYA: Religious Sisters from 10 African Countries to Gather for a Sustainable Development Conference

TANZANIA: Conference of Religious leaders condemn terrorism during their gathering

MALAWI: Catholics Cherish New Catholic Answer Bible

SOUTH SUDAN: South Sudan refugee influx burdens Ugandan government, says official

ZAMBIA: Archbishop Mpundu expressed disappointment at Nature degradation in Zambia

KENYA: Utilize the Year of Mercy to heal the nation, urges bishop