AMECEA NEWS

By Mwenya Mukuka, Communications Officer, ZCCB

Rt. Rev. Valentine Kalumba,
Bishop-Elect of Livingston

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) will on Saturday, 3^rd September, 2016 have a new member. Bishop elect Fr. Valentine Kalumba of Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) will be consecrated in Livingstone town of Zambia as Bishop OF Livingston Diocese.

In June, 2016 the Holy Father Pope Francis appointed Msgr. Valentine Kalumba as the Bishop of Livingstone taking over from retired Bishop Raymond Mpezele.

Msgr. Kalumba, O.M.I was ordained priest for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on 22^nd October 2005 in Lusaka.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and a Diploma in Accountancy.

Msgr. Kalumba has held many offices in the Oblates Religious Congregation as Formator (Pre-Novitiate, Lusaka), as Parish Priest (Limulunga, Kalabo), as Parochial Vicar (Kalabo, Shang’ombo in Livingstone Diocese) and as Director of Oblate Radio Liseli in Mongu Diocese.

Before his appointment as Bishop of Livingston, he was a Parish Priest at Blessed Mary Theresa in the Diocese of Kabwe .

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By Catholic Radio Network, South Sudan

Most Rev. Charles D. Balvo,
Apostolic Nuncio to
Kenya and South Sudan

The Vatican is concerned about peace implementation in the country, says the visiting Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan and Kenya.

Most Rev. Charles Daniel Balvo told Radio Bakhita in Juba on Tuesday 30^thAugust 2016 that the Holy Father Pope Francis and the Holy See authorities are interested in the peace process in the country.

He said his visit was to acquaint with the current situation in South Sudan and make some kind of contribution for a way forward to lasting peace.

H.E. Archbishop Balvo said Vatican is preparing to support the country through the Catholic Church.

The Papal ambassador was speaking in an exclusive interview with Radio Bakhita on Tuesday.

Meanwhile the Catholic Bishop of Yei condemned the ongoing crimes in the state including the brutal killing of civilians in the town last week.

Rt. Rev. Erkolano Lodu Tombe,
Bishop of Yei

Rt. Rev. Erkolano Lodu Tombe statements followed last week’s slaughter of three members of the same family whose bodies were thrown into Yei River, Radio Easter reports.

One of the family members is still missing according to authorities.

Bishop Lodu describes such beheading incidents as “heinous actions and unspeakable crimes”.

Bishop Lodu said that taking away human life is a sin and perpetrators will account for it before God on the judgement day.

He further said that such incidents are fuelling fleeing of citizens as refugees to neighbouring countries and called on soldiers and armed men to respect the lives of civilians and their property.

The Bishop Lodu was speaking at Christ the King Cathedral on Sunday 26^thAugust, 2016.

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By Sarah Pelaji, Kiongozi Newspaper TEC

Group Photo of Religious Leaders in Tanzania with Political Leaders

RELIGIOUS leaders in Tanzania have managed to save the country from an imminent political clashes following the panned nationwide demonstrations by members of the opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA).

CHADEMA leaders had planned to conduct demonstrations across the country in protest at what they describe as President John Magufuli’s “dictatorial” style of government. They were meant to rally under the banner Umoja wa Kupinga Udikteta Tanzania (UKUTA), meaning “Alliance Against Dictatorship in Tanzania”.

This had brought tensions in the country and misunderstandings between CHADEMA and government. A series of highly visible police “training exercises” last week that involved testing weaponry and firing tear gas was seen by many as a deliberate warning to potential protesters.

However, the religious leaders including Christians and Muslims warned CHADEMA against their intended countrywide demonstrations which were scheduled for September 1 and the opposition leaders to rather engage the government on dialogue to address their alleged grievances.

Religious leaders including the President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Rt. Rev. Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa, Bishop Fredrick Shoo of K.K.K.T, Sheikh Abubakar bin Zubeir Ally among others warned CHADEMA not to protest while giving them time to meet with the Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli for dialogue.

The Religious leaders came together and spoke with one voice against the protest because they believed that dialogue between two sides was a better option for the peace in the country. Fortunately the opposition leaders heed the call and cancelled the protests.

“There is no alternative to peace that we currently enjoy as a country and we should not allow members of political parties to throw the country into turmoil,” the religious leaders said in a joint statement.

“There is nothing as dangerous as internal conflicts between members of political parties and armed forces,” they said adding that if political parties are aggrieved by the government’s decision, they should have dialogue rather than going to the streets, which could lead to bloodshed.

Rt. Rev. Ngalalekumtwa who is also the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Iringa said political challenges can never be avoided.

“We should accept challenges so as to grow in politics and develop the country. Without challenges there is no growth,” he said adding that political tolerance and dialogue are vital for people to move forward as one nation.

Meanwhile Most Rev. Damian Dallu, the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Songea warned politicians not to confuse citizens with propaganda. He said selfishness of political parties put the country in danger and at risk of bloodshed.

“I am warning you politicians not to destroy this strong nation of Tanzania. There were people who shed their blood to build the country to what it is now; it is therefore not proper for you of younger young generation to come with your political selfishness to destroy that peace.”

He also appealed to the citizens not to follow Political propaganda. “If they want to fight let them fight themselves, lets us unite as citizens to build our nation.”

“Registered political parties have less than six million people and yet the country’s population is roughly 50 million people. We should not allow the small fraction of the population to disrupt our peace and tranquillity,” Archbishop Dallu said.

He urged Tanzanians to rally behind President Magufuli who is currently working to unite the country after the hotly-contested general election last year

He also advised the government to accept challenge from the other side for developing the nation and also argued the position parties to use wisdom and prudence in correcting the government for the peace of the country.

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By Prince Henderson, Communications Officer ECM

Participants of the Conference at CIVO Stadium
During the Eucharistic Celebrations at the
Opening of the conference

The 9^th African Region Conference and Golden Jubilee for the World Union of Catholic Women Organisation (WUCWO) Conference is underway in Malawi’s Capital, Lilongwe under the theme “Women of Africa Proclaimers of God’s Mercy: “Come and See the man who told me everything I did. Could this be the Messiah?”.

Thousands of Catholic Women faithful and people of goodwill from all the regions, dioceses and tribes turned out for an opening mass at Civo Stadium on Wednesday where Malawi President, His Excellency Professor Peter Mutharika, his wife Madam Getrude Mutharika and the Vice President, Right Honourable Saulosi Chilima and Madam Mary Chilima were in attendance.

Speaking at the function WUCWO President for Africa, Rosaline Nganku Menga said the conference is crucial and special not only to the Church, but to the society at large.

She said despite efforts made by some governments, the Church and some Non-Governmental Organisations, the challenges in the region still leaves much to be desired hence the conference is aimed at finding solutions to these challenges.

President of Malawi is welcomed at CIVO
Stadium by Archbishop Ziyaye and Archbishop Msusa

“As if poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, HIV/Aids, corruption, bad governance, were not bad enough, more challenges have come up during the recent years, for example terrorist groups, Ebola, negative impact of social media, trafficking, youth migration and climate change,” she said.

According to Menga, the conference will discuss and analyse the theme under seven sub-themes and come up with concrete proposals to implement the actions in their families, Church and society at large.

She said among the topics to be discuss during include issues of African women and youth as Agents of Dialogue, Justice and Peace, a key to a prosperous Africa; Climate Change; Access to drinking water and sanitation as a human right; Women of Africa, Proclaimers of God’s Mercy; love and protection, WUCWO women of Africa in the light of Evangelii Gaudiumof Pope Francis; and Mercy and Hope in action at the service of the family, youth and the suffering in Africa.

Meanwhile President Mutharika said that his government recognizes that the conference is crucial for the global, African and national development agenda both physically and spiritually.

WUWCO Underway at Bingu International
Conference Center in Lilongwe

He said the work of faith based organisations such as the Catholic Church complement government effort in the development agenda.

“It is against this background that the government is very committed to work with ECM, WUWCO and Catholic Women Organisation in general to achieve the goals of the conference which are also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals,” the president said.

The opening Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa, Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi and Archbishop of Blantyre. Other Bishops in attendance included Most Rev. Tarcizious Ziyaye (Lilongwe Archdiocese), Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama (Dedza), Bishop Montfort Stima (Mangochi) and Bishop Emeritus Alexandro Pagani (Mangochi)

Over 150 international and 350 local delegates are attending the conference which ends on Sunday 4^th September.

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By Catholic Radio Network (CRN)

South Sudan became a full member of the East African Community after submitting the

Instruments of Ratification Agreement in Arusha, Tanzania on Monday September 5. Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs, Aggrey Tisa, submitted the agreement to Secretary-General of the Community, Liberat Mfumukeko, Nyamilepedia reported.

The instruments of ratification show South Sudan government’s readiness to comply with the Community’s laws, regulations and ultimatums.

With the ratification submitted South Sudan is now entitled to full and equal rights, obligations and privileges with the rest of the EAC community.

South Sudan was accepted to become the sixth member of the East African Community in April this year after President Salva Kiir signed the agreement with his Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli.

South Sudan is joining the Community that comprises of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Meanwhile the Catholic Bishop of Tombura/Yambio has expressed worries over unnecessary killings of people in Gbudue State by unidentified armed people.

Rt. Rev. Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala in his homily on Sunday September 4 at St Mary Yambio Parish said two choir members of St Josephine Bakhita Yabongo Parish were shot dead as they were going for funeral, Radio Anisa reported.

Last week three people including a Boda-boda rider were killed in separate incidents in Yambio. Bishop Hiiboro advised people not to kill one another because life is a precious gift from God. He called on citizens to unite, denounce killing of human beings and work hard for peace in Gbudue State particularly and South Sudan in general.

At the same time the Catholic Bishop of Yei also expressed unhappiness of continuous shooting of guns in the town, violating the ceasefire and SPLA headquarters’ order.

Rt. Rev. Erkolano Lodu Tombe said such shootings defy President Salva Kiir’s order of ceasefire, which Yei Governor David Lokonga repeated, Radio Easter reports.

He urges the government to get rid of those still carrying out shooting as he called on the citizens and the organized forces to respect their authorities.

Bishop Lodu was speaking to Christians at Christ the King Cathedral on Sunday September 5.

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By Makeda Yohannes, CBCE Communications and Public Relation Officer

9th ICYCW Congress in Seoul South Korea

An Ethiopian Teacher has been elected the first African President of the International Coordinating Young Christian Workers (ICYCW). Berhanu Sinamo who is currently serving as deputy chairman of the National Young Catholic Workers (YCW) was at the 9^th ICYCW Congress that was held in Seoul, South Korea on August 19 - September 1, 2016.

Berhanu said that he is honoured that the members of ICYCW entrusted him with the important task of serving young Christian workers in different part of the world. He called on all young Christian workers to answer to God’s call by being faithful to their work.

“As Christians one of the ways Young people can contribute to spreading of the Good News is by dedicating themselves to the work they are involved in and honestly serve the people, this by itself is testimony of the Gospel. In the meantime, when we are committed to our work we can witness God’s Love as he will fill us with His Grace that will make us successful,” he said.

Berhanu Sinamo,
New President of ICYCW

Berhanu also said the national YCW is involved in the preparation for the 19^th AMECEA Plenary that will to be held in Addis Ababa in 2018.

“Young Catholics can contribute a lot to the evangelizing mission of Our Church in Ethiopia; YCW hopes to mobilize as many youths as possible throughout the country to pray for the Canonization of Bl. Gebremichael, the first Ethiopian Catholic Martyr,” he said.

He also expresses his hope to represent well Ethiopia and Africa in particular and all the people who entrusted him with the task through voting for him by fulfilling the task successfully. “I would like to ask all young Christian workers to pray for me so that God may bless me with the wisdom to handle all my responsibilities as per His will and to the best interest of all members,” said Berhanu.

Ethiopia has a good number of active members of YCW mainly in 7 Dioceses.

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By Sarah Pelaji, Kiongozi Newspaper TEC

Tanzania has in the recent past witnessed serious commotions in the National Assembly as members of the Opposition and the Ruling Party collide with each other over issues. At its peak the National Assembly misunderstandings led to members of the opposition boycotting sessions. At the same time, a number of opposition MPs have been barred from participating in Parliamentary sessions as a punishment for ‘misbehaving during Parliamentary sessions’.

Tanzania has also witnessed the President banning political activities for the rest of time until the next General Election 2020. As the Government has been firm with its rulings so has the Opposition with its defiance. The Government is blaming the Opposition for incitement while the Opposition is blaming the Government for attempting to kill Democracy

The opposition has been maintaining their stance to boycott all parliamentary sessions, formal meetings or even workshops, chaired by Deputy Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson citing their conviction that Dr Ackson has been treating them unfairly. The culmination of these conflicts has seen political tension building in the country and fear of an eruption of political clashes.

It is on this backdrop that the Religious Leaders from across the board have come together to muster their effort in order to quell the tension. They have held a number of meetings which so far have are fruitful.

The first meeting was on “Religious Radicalization” and it was essentially a seminar for Bishops on dynamics around the subject. At the end of the seminar it was decided that leaders should meet again on 20^thJuly together with their Muslim counterparts.

The second meeting was a consultative one and again under the same issue: Religious Radicalization. At the end of that consultation of Religious Leaders on Religious Radicalization, beside other resolutions, it was also decided that they meet and discuss the political situation of the country specifically on the boycott of Members of Parliament from Parliamentary Sessions (specifically sessions led by the Deputy Speaker).

The third meeting was conducted on 24^th August where the Religious Leaders discussed both the boycott and demonstrations which against the president by the opposition. The Religious Leaders met with Opposition and Ruling Party at different slots of a 10 hours meeting. In the meeting the Opposition was very vocal with the idea that the country is run oblivious to the rule of law and that the Government is controlling the National Assembly.

The Religious leaders also questioned the wisdom of Opposition to boycott the sessions since they had not exhausted the Parliamentary procedures to deal with their case against the Deputy Speaker. After long discussion particularly with the Opposition leaders they agreed to go back to the Parliament, effective from Tuesday September 6.

The Depute Chairman of Opposition Parties James Mbatia who is the chairman of NCCR-Mageuzi party and the MP of Vunjo said that, they have accepted to go back to the Parliament meetings because of the respect they have on religious leaders.

“We shall participate while waiting for the religious leaders to solve this complicated political issues in Tanzania. Secondly we are not against the parliament and the Speaker but the Depute Speaker who has been treating us unfairly when the speaker Job Ndungai was away in India for medical checkups.” He said.

Meanwhile the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Bunda Renatus Nkwande said, the politicians must accept dialogue and accept each other to solve their differences for national development.

“The government should not mistreat the oppositional parties as though they are enemies and nothing to national development. Likewise, the oppositional parties should not criticize the government in everything it does because that is not political maturity. Both should accept challenges for the national welfare,” the bishop said adding that “I discourage how two sides create enmity. As long as we are in the system of multi-political party system, challenges and misunderstandings are normal but should be fairly for national growth not war,” he insisted.

Most Rev. Damian Dallu Archbishop of Songea said that, the main responsibility of religious leaders is to advise and each religious leader should really be there for the welfare of the nation instead of siding with any party.

“We should not give advice if we have interest with one side of conflict. They should not accept our advice with conditions because we are only advisors. If they accept the advice with conditions of doing certain issue for their own interest, then they are not ready for advice,” the Archbishop pointed out.

Archbishop Dallu further advised both the government and the opposition to give priority to national welfare instead of political interest. “If they are not careful they will make innocent people suffer for nothing,” he said.

Currently Religious Leaders are planning to meet with the President in the course of September, preferably between 12th and 16^thand they are optimistic that the President will be willing this time to meet with them.

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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

The Late Sr. Mlenga (Center ) with fellow nuns at Chemichemi

A Religious Sister from the Congregation of Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sisters, Sr. Agnes Mlenga, SBVM from Malawi on Monday September 5, passed on at a Sabbatical Centre run by the Association of Sisterhood of Kenya-AOSK. Sr. Agnes collapsed and in her bathroom and was pronounced dead at the hospital where she was rushed by her colleagues from the centre who found her unresponsive in the bathroom.

The Secretary General of Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) Sr. Eneless Chimbali, SBVM, told AMECEA Online News that Sr. Agnes arrived in Nairobi in late July and reported to Chemichemi ya Ukweli for her sabbatical on 1^st August 2016.

“Sr. Agnes was living with asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure. Due to the extreme cold weather in Nairobi, she became ill and on Sunday September 4, when a number of our sisters from her congregation paid her a visit at Chemichemi, she appeared strong but complained of difficulty in breathing. She was scheduled to see a doctor on Monday morning but unfortunately passed on very early in the morning,” Sr. Eneless who belongs to the same Religious Congregation as the late Sr. Agnes explained adding that the post-mortem results indicated that Sr. Agnes had developed pneumonia.

The late Sr. Agnes Mlenga was born on 24^th August, 1952 and started her religious formation in 1970. She did her first profession in 1973 and celebrated her silver jubilee in 1998. Sr. Agnes worked as a primary school teacher before going to the United States of America for further studies. Upon her return, she worked as a tutor in a number of teachers training colleges in Malawi and retired in 2012.

Sr. Agnes is described as a peaceful, courageous, committed person who treated everyone with kindness love and caring attitude. She was very humble and exuded simplicity and motherly everyone regardless of age.

He body will be flown back home in Malawi for burial on Monday September 12.

AMECEA Secretary General Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo and the entire AMECEA Staff express their condolences to ECM, to the Congregation and to the Family of Sr. Mulenga.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, Amen.

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By Sarah Pelaji, Kiongozi Newspaper TEC

Most Rev. Thadeus Ruwa'ichi,
Archbishop of Mwanza

HEALTH Department of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) under the umbrella of Social Services Directorate has conducted a forum on improving access to quality health in Catholic health institutions in Tanzania.

The participants of the forum were Diocesan Health Secretaries, Hospital Management Teams and Principals while the health department of TEC was the host.

In his opening remark at the beginning of the forum, Most Rev. Thadeus Ruwa’ich, Archbishop of Mwanza said that the Catholic Church is the major player in the provision of education and health services in Tanzania and all over the world.

Therefore the role of the secretariat through the Directorate of Social services is to support Diocesan Education and Health Departments to improve the quality of education and health services provided by Catholic institutions in Tanzania.

He insisted that Catholic hospitals ought to improve access to quality health services and that the main focus should be put on planning and implementing alternative ways of financing catholic health systems.

“There is a need to review our traditional ways of generating hospital revenues through users fees (out of pocket) and donations being the main sources and thus venture into other reliable funding sources bearing in mind the declining trend of government support or subsidies to our facilities,” he said.

He also insisted on increasing the identity of Catholic hospitals through practicing of Catholic ethics and values. That in offering services at Catholic hospital there should be a developing code of ethics, advocating to bishops on the appointment of fully and dully qualified hospital chaplains.

He wanted all catholic health institutions to reflect on improving the quality of health services delivered to the community they serve as Catholic values demand.

“Ensuring adequate availability of drug supplies, adequate availability of skilled and committed staffs,” he said adding that there should be improvement on ethics in offering services especially to poor and people who are not in positions to pay for the services on time and accordingly. “Staffs should treat them fairly with love because Catholic Church is the home for all.”

“We need to aggressively address issues related to health consumers, dissatisfaction with critical governance issues such as abuses of power, financial mismanagement and corruption,” the Archbishop said.

Diocesan and Catholic hospitals are requested to learn from well performing dioceses and hospitals especially in the areas of human resources for health and financial management.

“I therefore propose that all Catholic hospitals should install electronic devices for collecting patients’ fees. Am also proposing reviewing National TEC health Policy. I urge you to deeply go through the TEC Health Policy and propose amendments whenever possible,” he told the participants.

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By Makeda Yohannes, CBCE Communications and Public Relation Officer

Fr. Aristide and ARRA representative cutting the ribbon

Among the many social and development services of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia education tops the list. Caring for migrants and refugees is also an important service of the Church. It is against this backdrop that the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission (Caritas Ethiopia) with the support of CRS Ethiopia constructed 2 schools in Jewi Refugee camp, Gambella Regional State.

The schools constructed in two sites include a total of 22 fully furnished class rooms, libraries equipped with all the necessary furniture and books, latrines and water points and offices. The classrooms can accommodate 60 students each making the total beneficiaries 2640 refugee students.

In addition, trainings on child protection and child hygiene and sanitation is provided to teachers who will be working with the students. The Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) will be taking over and running the school and follow up on the day to day activities of the school.

Fr. Aristide

Speaking on behalf of Caritas Ethiopia at the inauguration ceremony of the schools Rev. Fr. Aristide, SDB said that education is at the root of solving problems and creating a base for a better future. “Providing friendly environment gives hope to displaced people and this is what the Church is doing; with education we can produce many reasonable young people with a perspective prosperous future” he said.

During the same occasion Mrs Nora Ochieng, UNHCR Program officer for education, appreciated the Church’s effort to provide equal opportunity to children. “As a Christian community you are testifying that all children are equal before the eyes of God and deserve to learn in a comfortable environment. I say that after seeing the quality of the school furniture in the class rooms and the libraries, even these classrooms are well ventilated as they were constructed taking into account the hot weather of the area,” she said.

Mrs. Ochieng called on all parents and the refugee community to take advantage of the schools available and mobilize as many children as possible to go to school.

Meanwhile Mr. Kemal Hassen, program officer of ARRA said that 65% of the refugee community are at school going ages but currently there are only 35% school coverage. He expressed hope that such services will continue while at the same time he thanked Caritas for constructing up to the standard school facilities saying, “We appreciate the wonderful job accomplished by the Catholic Church, I assure you that these facilities will be used to provide educational services to the best interest of the students.” ARRA will be responsible for running the schools and provide educational services.

The schools are constructed with a total budget of Euro 457,084 with the financially support from TROCAIRE/IA through CRS and Caritas Ethiopia. It is to be recalled that Caritas constructed four schools in two refugee camps in Gambella Regional State that are already giving services to students.

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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Tangaza University College in Collaboration with Missio Aachen Germany is currently conducting a conference on Religion and Violence. The three-day conference which, started on Thursday September 8 and ends on Saturday is being held under the theme Religion and Violence, A contribution from Social Sciences and from Theology to an Urgent Issue.

“This indeed is an international conference focused on Africa and dealing specifically with the question of Religion and Violence,” said Rev. Fr. Felix Phiri, MAfr Head of the Department of Mission and Islamic Studies at Tangaza University College.

Fr. Phiri explained that their collaboration as Tangaza Department with Missio Aachen started as a participation in a pilot project initiated by Hekima Institute of Peace studies and International Relations two years ago by Rev. Fr. Elias Opongo, SJ. The project entailed carrying out research on Religious Extremism and Violence REV in Tanzania. The initiative has spread to West Africa.

“The material about violence covered through a research carried out for the case of Tanzania and West Africa are to be subjected to critical, Biblical, ethical and cultural reflection during the second part of the conference,” Fr. Phiri said adding that the historical background of the project indicates that they are still at the beginning of a daunting task. “It is therefore hoped that at the end of the three days of listening and discussing together, we shall be able to discern further new avenues of research, reflection and formal action that is distance of close collaboration.”

Speaking at the same occasion Dr. Marco Moerschbacher from Missio Aachen, Germany said that the idea to set up a Missio Network of African Theology indeed came from Missio Theological Department in Missio Aachen, which is the Pontifical Mission Service of Aachen Germany.

“The role of Missio was not to set the agenda but rather to facilitate, support, enhance and to make possible International Networks between African Researchers in Theology and Philosophy,” he said.

He said that the practical importance of the subject religion and violence has grown considering the increasing number of incidences of religious related violence and terrorism acts claimed by the extremists’ groups in France, Germany, Nigeria, Kenya and recently in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.

“The idea of the project was to look at the sample studies of violence linked to the religion, consider what people think about it, reasons for violence the histories of the violence, the way it came about and also to see the role of religion in peace building and conflict solutions.”

Among the case studies to be presented at the conference included the study on Religious Extremism and Violence REV in Tanzania, Religion and Violence case studies from Ivory Coast and Chad. These would be followed by Biblical perspectives and ethical perspectives on the issue of Religion and Violence as well as dealing with a history of violence socio-economic underpinnings as well as how to overcome structures of social marginalization among others.

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By Fr. Winfield Kunda, ZCCB Communications Director

Rt. Rev. Valentine Kalumba, OMI has taken over canonical possession of Livingstone Diocese after being consecrated Bishop in a colourful ceremony that took place at Maramba’s Christ the King parish in Livingstone city on Saturday September 3^rd.

Rt. Rev Valentine Kalumba, New Bishop of Livingstone

The consecrating Bishop, who is the outgoing ordinary, Rt. Rev. Raymond Mpezele urged the new bishop to lead the people of the Diocese by being a good shepherd following the example of Jesus Christ who remains a good shepherd.

“Jesus was a good shepherd who loved his sheep both in word and action; and as a bishop, Bishop Valentine has to love Jesus and only by so doing that he will be able to feed the sheep of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Mpezele said.

Speaking on behalf of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), Archbishop Ignatius Chama, urged priests, religious and the lay faithful of Livingstone Diocese to cooperate with their new shepherd by supporting him both spiritually and materially.

The consecration was attended by the Pope’s representative to Zambia and Malawi, H.E. Archbishop Julio Murat who thanked Bishop Mpezele now emeritus for the general pastoral ministry he rendered to Livingstone Diocese for the last 31 years.

Other bishops from within Zambia and abroad, various priests and religious brothers and sisters, traditional chiefs, civic leaders and lay faithful attended the ceremony.

Bishop Emeritus Raymond Mpezele has been the ordinary of Livingstone Diocese since 1985. The Diocese covers the southern part of Zambia and is approximately 58,200 square kilometres.

∽Ends∽

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

The President of National Directors of Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in African English speaking countries, Fr. George Olusegun Ajana has commended the Catholic faithful in Malawi for their steadfastness in ensuring that they move away from dependency syndrome to independence.

Fr. Ajana, was in Malawi for the World Union of Catholic Women Organisations (WUCWO) Conference that Malawi hosted from August 31 to September 4 and later on visited some development projects that are being supported by PMS.

One such project is the Church and Presbytery project under construction at Mponera’s St. Benedict The Abbot Parish of Lilongwe Archdiocese.

“I am impressed with the way the faithful here in Malawi are working on various projects. Gone are the days that we would be depending on donors or Missionaries. We must stand alone as Africans and develop the Church and society at large,” said Fr. Ajana.

He was happy that apart from PMS supporting the Parish with Iron sheets, Parishioners have done their part in moulding bricks and contributing sand which is a sign that Self Reliance is maturing and such a spirit must be encouraged.

The Vice Chairman of the Parish, Martin Koloko said they were thankful to PMS for their support towards the construction of the Church which was officially opened by His Grace Tarcizious Ziyaye of Lilongwe Archdiocese on December 5,2015.

The coming in of the new Parish has enabled the growth of its members and the challenge of travelling long distance to find another parish is no longer a case to worry about now.

Meanwhile, the Parishioners are working tirelessly to ensure that they finish the seven roomed presbytery so that all the priests reside at the Parish.

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By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB

The Catholic Diocese of Maralal’s radio ‘Mchungaji’, which means ‘The Shepherd’, is the eleventh catholic radio to go on air and to be established by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Commission for Social Communications as part of its mission to have 20 radio stations by 2020.

Broadcasting on 95.4fm at 150 km radius, Radio Mchungaji which is currently airing Radio Waumini programs, is to have programs in Swahili, Samburu, Turkana and Pokot languages with the aim of promoting human and pastoral development, supporting peace building and community empowerment, strengthening catholic faith in the diocese of Maralal and facilitating awareness creation on projects managed by the Catholic Diocese of Maralal.

At the beginning of September, 2016, Waumini Communications team led by the Managing Director David Omwoyo conducted a one-week training to equip the radio personnel with radio broadcasting skills that included technical, production and presentation skills so as to reach out to the people of Maralal, Samburu County in a more professional way.

Mr. Omwoyo called on the 15 trained personnel to always observe professionalism and the Teachings of the Catholic Church in their day to day running of programs and to emphasize and promote programs that promote agriculture, gender equity, education, health and pastoral.

Situated in northern Kenya, Samburu County is classified among Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL). The area is inhabited by Samburu, Turkana and Pokot communities that practice a pastoralist mode of livelihood, the county has an estimated population of 223,947 people.

According to Caritas Maralal report, Samburu County has a long history of marginalization embedded in policies and practices of social, economic and political exclusions reflected in poor service delivery, poor infrastructure, high rates of illiteracy and morbidity.

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Source: CUEA Press and AMECEA Online Correspondent

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is set to establish a Multi Media Centre that aims at producing material on justice and peace for sensitization purposes after having received a collection of video cameras, computers and editing software for the Centre.

This was said by CUEA Vice Chancellor Justus Mbae during the convocation day held at the University’s main campus –Lang’ata on 25^th August and event which was blessed by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, the Archbishop of Nairobi and Patron of AMECEA as a chief Guest.

According to the VC the centre also aims to prepare videos which will be used for University distance e-learning mode of study, and produce media footage for the promotion of the University to the outside world. “As can be seen, through ICT and the Media Centre, CUEA is moving towards the full digitization of its operations,” he said.

Prof. Mbae said the Media centre which is in advanced stage in terms of its establishment will be located at the St Paul VI Learning Resource Centre and that it was made possible through CUEA’s collaboration with Loyola University-Chicago.

He further challenged every member of the University to aim more at using technology in their work more especially the lecturers. He lauded students who have been engaging in creative and innovative ventures noting that the University has launched a Business Incubation centre.

During the Holy Mass of the Convocation Cardinal Njue who was the Main Celebrant urged all the members to embrace their mission as it is a sign of what God wants them to do and do so with joy.

He urged the lecturers to teach by experience, and model out what students need to become. “As Pope Paul VI (1965) put it, be at the forefront to explore the mysteries of humanity and of the world, clarify them in the light of revelation,” he said.

The cardinal observed that there is need for a connection between the knowledge offered at the university and improvement on the people’s quality of life in the society.

He challenged every member of the University to make CUEA become the University of choice in Kenya, in the AMECEA region and beyond. Cardinal Njue assured the University of his support.

By Antony Mbandi, AMECEA JPC Coordinator

AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department has been undertaking training through the national conferences in emergency response in times of conflict. The need for this training was brought about by the increasing conflicts in the region and the need to equip church agents in the region with the necessary tools to act competently when emergencies are coupled with conflict.

Group Photo of the Participants

This training is part of the wider strategy of the Justice Peace and Caritas Department to deliver on the mandate of AMECEA to provide knowledge and capacities for effective delivery of services by church agents.

The training which is embedded deeply in the church doctrine has been well accepted in the region as a means to bring about a common understanding to the works of mercy of the church.

Sr. Tabitha who has been leading this exercise says that the experiences in each of the countries is so different and the approach used by AMECEA JPC of working with local experts has been very effective since the strategies being put in place are taking into consideration local context.

The trainings are being undertaken with support of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) who have been partnering with AMECEA in ensuring the capacities of the national bishops’ conferences in the AMECEA region are well equipped in capacities to deal with the pastoral needs of today

∽End∽

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

Rev. Fr. George Buleya, Vice Chancelor
Catholic University of Malawi

The Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA) will on Saturday, September 24, celebrate its 10th anniversary. The celebrations will be commemorated during the twelfth graduation ceremony where 288 grandaunts will receive their diplomas and degrees at the University Ground, Montfort Campus, in Blantyre. CUNIMA opened its doors to its first batch of students in 2006.

The award ceremony will be preceded by Thanks Giving Eucharistic Celebrations and later on there will be the unveiling of the new Strategic Plan for the university.

CUNIMA was established by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) on 16th October 2004 as an institution of higher learning and was officially opened by late Bingu Wa Mutharika, the then President of the Republic of Malawi on 28th October 2006.

In an interview with CUNIMA Vice Chancellor, Rev. Dr. George Buleya, He said the University believes in quality and holistic education offers twenty-five programmes of study spread over in six faculties which include Faculty of Theology, Commerce, Education, Law, Nursing and Midwifery and Faculty of Art and Social Sciences. He further added that the University offers both Undergraduate and Post graduate programmes. He assured the students who have enrolled and who aspire to enrol that the university endeavours to offer high quality academic standards. The Vice Chancellor said that “the holistic approach to higher education ensures that CUNIMA graduates are trained to become useful and reliable citizens who will make a difference when they graduate,” He said.

He is happy that, the institution has grown from the initial student population of 127 in 2006 to the current population of 1677 students of whom 1074 are regular students and 603 are part time students.

An Alumnus of CUNIMA, Success Sikwese; who currently works at the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) In Congratulating the University on its 10^th Anniversary said he values the University for he has achieved a lot because of what he acquired at there. He further noted that “CUNIMA’s uniqueness is that there is community life where they learn morals, ethical consciousness and have community responsibility which encourages students to share ideas and experiences among students thereby becoming reliable members of the society.”

The Catholic University in Malawi was recognized and accredited by the Government of Malawi on 29th January 2009 as an Institution of Higher Learning. Other affiliated colleges under CUNIMA are Kachebere Major Seminary in Mchinji and Inter-Congregation Seminary in Balaka.

Meanwhile, the University has come up with a special designed celebratory cloth, which is being sold at the University campus in Nguludi-Chiradzulu Blantyre and Catholic Secretariat in Lilongwe among other selling points.

∽End∽

By AMECEA Correspondent

Rev. Joseph Healey, MM

AMECEA Gaba Publications- CUEA Press, will award Rev. Fr. Joseph Healey as the best - selling author for the year 2015 during the Writers’ conference that will take place in Eldoret, Kenya from 20^th to 22^ndSeptember 2016.

The book which gave him an award as the best-selling author is titled ‘Building the Church as Family of God: Evaluation of Small Christian Communities in Eastern Africa’.

The book is published by AMECEA Gaba Publications – CUEA Press, Eldoret; Double Spearhead Nos. 199-200 (Print Version 2012 and 1st Reprint 2014) and that it has 163 pages.

Fr Healey, a Maryknoll missionary and the First AMECEA Social Communication Secretary will be represented by Fr Patrick Mwania, CSSP, the Dean of the School of Theology, Tangaza University College who will also read ‘the thank you’ speech on behalf of the Eastern Africa Small Christian Communities (SCCs) Training Team.

Speaking to AMECEA Online News from US, Fr Healey said “This book is really a tribute to AMECEA and to the AMECEA Small Christian Communities (SCCs) Key Pastoral Priority.”

Fr. Healey is very passionate with Small Christian Communities and he has written extensively articles on small Christian Communities including establishing the website www.smallchristiancommunities.org which is also linked to AMECEA website www.amecea.org.

Currently, there are over 180,000 Small Christian Communities in the AMECEA region.

∽End∽

A section of the Church building
affected by the earthquake

The President of the Tanzanian Episcopal Conference (TEC) Rt Rev Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa has asked the Catholic Faithful and other people of good will to respond with relief aid to the victims of Earth Quake disaster that happened in Kagera region recently.

The President who was speaking to the Press said TEC is very much concerned with the reports coming from Bukoba that point of the urgent need of relief and emergency aid.

“We are receiving reports that schools have been damaged, families left homeless, some dead, some wounded/injured physically and psychologically while some lost property, all these need our attention and response,” he said adding that “I am asking the faithful from all the Catholic Dioceses in the Country and people of good will to be compassionate by making some contributions as a relief to the victims.”

Meanwhile; a total of Tanzanian shillings, Tshs. 1.396 Billion (US $ 641,141) in cash and pledges and other humanitarian assistance have been received by the government from diplomatic corps, businessmen and women in an effort to help the victims of the catastrophe.

In another development MPs passed a resolution to contribute their day's allowance to Kagera residents who have been affected. A total of Tshs. 85.5Million (US $ 3904) was expected to be collected from the Members of Parliament.

The government has also appealed to the general public, local and international organisations willing to complement the government’s effort to channel their contribution through the Prime Minister’s Office.

The tremor, never experienced in such magnitude in recent times, hit the Lake Victoria-side Kagera region last Saturday (10^th September) leaving 17people dead and 253 injured. According to a geologist assessment, the tremor weighed 5.7 on the Richter scale.

By Sarah Pelaji, Kiongozi Newspaper, TEC

End

Source: CUEA Press

Bro. Reginald Cruz Vice Postulator and
Rt. Rev. Cornelius Korir, Bishop of Eldoret

On Friday, September 9, 2016, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa held the 12^th Cardinal Otunga Memorial Lecture and Scholarship fundraising at its Langata Campus.

The fundraising collected approximately half a million shillings was raised whereby 16 students were awarded with scholarships on the same day.

The event was Graced by Bishop Cornelius Korir, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret and Chairman of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of KCCB who led the Holy Mass before the memorial lecture and fundraising.

In his homily, Bishop Korir, remembered his personal encounters with the Servant of God, Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga where he noted that he always kept a personal touch with the clergy, religious and the laity.

Beneficiary of Cardinal Otunga
Scholarship Fund receives a cheque

Bro. Reginald Cruz, the Vice Postulator of Cardinal Otunga’s course gave the lecture in which he shared the encounters he has had through the process. He urged all in attendance to make petitions through Cardinal Otunga as a way of supporting his cause to sainthood.

The Cardinal Otunga scholarship is awarded every year and contributions to the same go on throughout the year. The day of the memorial lecture is normally marked on the first week of September to coincide with the anniversary of his death on 6^th September, 2003.

Cardinal Otunga was among the founders of the University and was quite critical in its development.

∽End∽

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MALAWI: WUCWO Conference underway in Malawi

SOUTH SUDAN: South Sudan becomes full member of East African Community

ETHIOPIA: Young Catholic Ethiopian selected as the First African president of ICYCW

TANZANIA: OPPOSITION Political parties unanimously decided to go back to parliament after talks with religious leaders.

KENYA: A Malawian Religious Sister Dies in Nairobi

TANZANIA: TEC Conduct a three-day forum on health issues.

ETHIOPIA: Caritas Ethiopia and CRS provides a conducive environment for education to South Sudanese Refugees in Gambella

KENYA: Tangaza College in Collaboration with Missio Aachen Conducts a Conference on Religion and Violence

ZAMBIA: Bishop Kalumba Takes Canonical Possession of Livingstone Diocese

MALAWI: PMS African President Lauds Malawi for embracing Self Reliance

KENYA: The eleventh Catholic Radio operational in Kenya

AMECEA: CUEA set to establish a Media Centre

UGANDA: Conference undergoes training on Emergency Response in Conflict Scenarios

MALAWI: Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA) celebrates A Decade of Quality Holistic Education

AMECEA: Fr Healey's Book awarded as the Best-Selling Publication

TANZANIA: TEC President appeals for Relief and Emergency Aid to Bukoba Earth Quake Victims

AMECEA: CUEA holds the 12th Cardinal Otunga Memorial